 |
| Source: Unsplash- Adeolu Eletu |
Schemes, frauds, scams, call them what you may; are so
common nowadays that you wonder what happened to checks put in place to curb
such illegal businesses. Victims of such activities are numbered in millions. You
hardly come across people nowadays who have never been directly or indirectly
affected by this sad development somehow. Scams
often manifest themselves as business opportunities promising huge returns on
initial investments, high yielding investment programs are one example of such
initiatives.
Selling Scams
In developing countries schemes, more often than not,
come under the guise of entities that aim at helping people achieve financial
freedom. Perpetrators of such initiatives show great resolve to lift people out
of poverty when in actual sense their motive is to enrich themselves at the
expense of the masses. Too late their prospects realize they are entrenched in
untold suffering.
These unscrupulous
tricksters masquerading as good Samaritans have left a trail of broke folks on
their way to supposed financial break through. It is unfortunate that some
of those who join such schemes are often times clueless on what they are
getting themselves into.
A
presentation, a sign up, a subscription, testimonies and proof of return on
investment is the main concoction that woos unsuspecting prospects; and in no
time, they are in the net. Early birds usually get their reward
but they are in turn used by scammers as bait to catch even more prey. The
prospects realize that the scheme is working and are willing to part with
valuables to join regardless of the amounts required.
Why do we have so many scammers busy peddling their wares
on the internet? What is the background to all this mischief, trickery and
fraud being perpetrated both on online and offline platforms right under our
noses?
Backdrop to Scams
There have been a lot of changes in the global economy
for quite some time, especially in the recent past. Worldwide, life has never
been the same. While some countries seem
to be doing fine and their economies growing, no one can deny the fact that
calamities, both natural and man-made, abound and seem to be increasing with
each coming year. The aftermath of such occurrences has often been a
reduction in people’s livelihoods. Many are driven to the very edge of poverty
and are barely making ends meet.
Harsh economic times have even complicated the situation
further. Soaring unemployment rates, joblessness and economic polarization have
mostly served to push people into scams and frauds of all kinds and
descriptions. Those who patronize such schemes are so intent on making money
that they are blind to the possibility of being ripped off. The inception of initiatives purporting to
mitigate suffering and promising financial stability is always welcome news to
the deprived.
In the abundance of knowledge and advancements in
technology, mankind seems unable to effectively and efficiently cope with the
situation they find themselves in. These developments have greatly impacted our
lifestyles and changed our lives in profound ways. Our world view, and the way
we perceive life generally, will never be the same. Though knowledge has increased and people are ‘running to and fro’,
there has been a commensurate increase in social, political, economic and
environmental ills that plague mankind.
The prosperity of a nation is closely bound with its
ability to engage its population in productive work. Inability to do so has
bred a number of social ills. It is against this backdrop that a number of schemes
premised on ripping off masses have been hatched.
Prosperity Seekers Defrauded
Scholars have linked economic progress to various
indicators, most of which emphasize on generation and accumulation of wealth. Moreover,
many religious entities tout economic
progress or prosperity as a sign of favor with God. This paradigm shift has
seen every one striving with everything in them to get rich. Amidst this frenzy, a number of frauds and
scams have flourished, each of which promises these wealth-seekers a fortune in
exchange for their hard-earned cash.
Are victims of these crimes gullible? …Not at all. It is man’s nature…his right to seek pleasure
and happiness; to seek everything that gives them maximum security and
enjoyment. Scammers and fraudsters understand this; they take advantage and
exploit this particular trait in man.
Background Check Important
The possibility of being scammed is even worsened when prospects involved
aren’t that savvy when it comes to soft skills. Such people cannot research the
business opportunities they are about to invest in that much. We need to be technically savvy if we are to
understand how most businesses operate, whether they are legit or not.
Especially is this the case with most questionable business entities that pose
as legit ones.
Looking for a job,
want to make extra money or thinking of going into business? Buying into a business opportunity that makes big claims about what you can earn might sound like the answer. But don’t be in a hurry to sign up! Even legitimate business
opportunities involve risk somehow. To avoid a rip-off, you need to understand
your rights and the promoter’s obligations. You also need to find out more
about the opportunity.
Prospective
entrepreneurs need to take it upon themselves to ascertain the authenticity and
credibility of businesses they intend to go in to safeguard their interests.
Would-be fraud victims should be sensitized and educated on
the need to take their time and research business opportunities before committing
their precious resources.
It should be borne in mind, however, that not all
initiatives, whether online or offline, are fake. Since there are fake ones,
there should be genuine ones as well.
Look before you leap, not everything that glitters is gold or silver!
Look before you leap, not everything that glitters is gold or silver!
Subscribe by Email
Follow Updates Articles from This Blog via Email
No Comments