May 2024,
Written by Dr. Patrick Liew Executive Chairman at USC, Ed.D MBA, MSc, BSc, CIPS, CBI. With his permission to post, thanks.
Nobody monopolizes wisdom, truth, intellectual reasoning, and information, including yourself. How can you learn from my foolishness and ensure that you, your family, and your friends will not be conned? Let me suggest ten ways to protect yourself.
1. Be Vigilant: Many con artists are circling around you. Some of them may even be close to you and considered your friends. They know how to exploit your weaknesses. Be cautious and vigilant.
2. Beware of Emotional Appeals: Con artists can be charming and charismatic. They use appealing words and other tactics to scam you. Beware: They may even know you better than you know yourself.
3. Control Your Base Instincts: Control your greed, desires for material possessions, and fleshly pleasures. Remember the saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
4. Be Disciplined: Cultivate the discipline of delayed gratification. In other words, if possible, delay satisfying your needs and wants and consider alternative ways to achieve the same objectives.
5. Conduct Research (avoid marriage and romance scams): Conduct thorough research and due diligence. Check the integrity and credibility of the other party. Gather information from independent and reliable sources. Do not solely rely on testimonials.
6. Follow Proper Procedures: All offers, terms, and conditions should be in writing.
7. Seek Professional Assistance: Seek advice and assistance from professionals, including a lawyer, accountant, banker, and financial advisor when conducting transactions.
8. Watch Out for Signs of Danger: Be alert for “red flags” or warning signs. Beware of high-pressure tactics that push you to take immediate action. Do not share personal and confidential information, such as details of your bank account and passwords.
9. Seek Wise Counsel: Seek guidance from well-positioned individuals to help you determine facts and verify the validity of an offer.
10. Live for a Higher Purpose: Focus on serving a higher purpose and a more meaningful cause. I am grateful to God that I have been able to forgive those who wronged me, learn from my experiences, and recover from the damages.
Many people have suffered after falling victim to con artists. In summary, be on guard at all times. You have been forewarned.
Don’t trust decisions based solely on your emotions. Someone who is using the right words is not always the right person.
Lauraina Bashir