The buzz, the hype, the excitement is all there. It’s a sale and the savings are real. The designs, the products, the events are all in demand and this could be your opportunity to buy at a discounted price. It’s tempting and it’s just what you think you’ve been looking for.
But there is nothing real about any of it. The only reality is that it’s a scam. A way to capture your private and banking details, not just for one scam…. but perhaps for many more. Some obvious, some discreet and many that will only become apparent when they go boom. It’s then that your future life can be put on hold.
Copying what people think is normal, real, and exciting is exactly how scammers catch their victims. Their victims see only one thing: a website offering something they don’t want to miss out on. From that point on, defences are quickly dropped, reality disappears and chances are taken. Remember, a fake website can be made to look a lot more real than a fake shop in a shopping mall.
That’s why it’s important to pause when the website appears. Doing so helps you think about it and ask important questions; is it real, is it new, is it secure, who does it belong to and where are goods shipped from? It’s about ignoring what the website is saying and instead knowing how you can remain safe. Safe enough to keep you own details private and your banking details secure.
Once you’ve paused, thought about it, looked a little deeper – going beyond the details they only ever want you to see, you’ll then be able to make the decisions that best protect you, your family, and friends. Scammers don’t just go after single victims; they target anyone and everyone. So don’t give them the chance just because they appear to be offering something new, tempting, or cheap.
If you are about to make a purchase online make sure you pause, think, then decide.
To help, always remember to Pause – Think – Decide every single time. You’re in control. So, always do all you can to stop the criminal from making you just another victim.
More scenarios for you to play or share
Just like scams, our scenarios will constantly evolve and update. Follow us on social media to keep up to date with newly released scenarios.
Want to learn more about other scams?
After a scam, what next?
What we think you could consider … if you’re the victim of a scam or fraud.
