Investment scams are everywhere on social media. Here's how to spot one

  • 📰 AP
  • ⏱ Reading Time:
  • 61 sec. here
  • 3 min. at publisher
  • 📊 Quality Score:
  • News: 28%
  • Publisher: 51%

South Africa News News

South Africa South Africa Latest News,South Africa South Africa Headlines

Social media is full of scammers promising guaranteed returns on investment, and consumers lost $3.8 billion to them last year just in the U.S., according to the Federal Trade Commission.

In Gochenour’s case, he spent several weeks messaging with someone who seemed romantically interested in him before she brought up “liquidity mining.”

Then one day, when he had transferred about $5,000 of his own money to the wallet, he woke up to check the balance and the money was gone. When he looked at a website his scammer had directed him to, to try to understand what had happened, he saw a “contract.” He contacted the scammer about it, and she told him to contact “customer service,” who told him to put in another $10,000 in order to get all of his money back, plus bonuses.

Offers also tend to come with time pressure: “Make big money fast!” “Once-in-a-lifetime offer, gone tomorrow!” Or elaborate steps that require infusions of more money at each stage, such as the liquidity mining con that Gochenour experienced. The scammer typically paints a picture of what life will be like when you’re rich. But no one can guarantee a return, and anyone who promises a no-risk investment is a fraud.First, take time to research the offer. Scammers want to rush you, so slow down.

Scammers will also exaggerate the significance of current events, following headlines and tying their pitch to the news. By making an opportunity seem exciting, innovative, and timely, they hope a target will commit without having fully researched the offer.

We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

 /  🏆 728. in ZA
 

Thank you for your comment. Your comment will be published after being reviewed.
Please try again later.

South Africa South Africa Latest News, South Africa South Africa Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

SHIB Breaking News: Shiba Inu Taps Leading Investment Firm for Doggy Dao AdvisorSHIB Doggy DAO is decentralized autonomous organization governed by Shiba Inu token holders
Source: Utoday_en - 🏆 295. / 63 Read more »

Winning Web3 Investment Strategies Must Combine Artificial Intelligence andThe Web 3.0 dynamic duo of blockchain and AI is on the path to redefine entire industry sectors.
Source: Newsweek - 🏆 468. / 52 Read more »

The Secular Investment Case for Bitcoin and Crypto Adoption Remains Intact: CoinbaseThe combined effect of expansionary fiscal and monetary policies should support bitcoin long term as a hedge against fiat debasement and profligate spending, the report said.
Source: CoinDesk - 🏆 291. / 63 Read more »

Transportation secretary tours Port of Alaska, talks investment in aging infrastructureU.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg visited Alaska’s biggest city Tuesday as part of a three-day tour of the state.
Source: AKNewsNow - 🏆 460. / 53 Read more »

Transition To EVs Marked By Growing Intent, Trade War Pricing, New Investment FundA McKinsey study shows intention to buy an EV is growing but between an international trade war and varying degrees of confidence, the transition is on a slow course.
Source: ForbesTech - 🏆 318. / 59 Read more »