Technology has made it easier to find jobs, investments, products, loans, training programmes, and business opportunities online. It has also made it easier for dishonest people to reach large numbers of potential victims.
Be careful when an offer promises unusually large rewards with almost no risk or effort.
Check the organisation or person behind the offer. Search for independent information, confirm contact details, and verify important claims through reliable sources.
Do not allow screenshots of payments, testimonials, large social media followings, or pictures of expensive lifestyles to serve as your only evidence that an opportunity is genuine.
Pressure is another warning sign. Statements such as "pay within the next ten minutes" may be designed to prevent you from checking properly.
Be especially careful when someone requests passwords, PINs, one-time verification codes, or other sensitive account information.
Technology can make an offer look professional. Professional appearance alone does not prove legitimacy.
Lesson: Before sending money or personal information online, verify the people, organisation, and claims behind the offer.
