To subscribe: ‘please agree to the terms and conditions and provide your private and financial information so the scammer can use it to steal your identity and money.’
Ok, so that’s a joke. Not every subscription leads to such an outcome. But many do… especially when they’ve been purposely created by a scammer.
Scammers look to copy what looks and feels normal. They replicate what normally happens, but they also try to make their offer to subscribe a little more or even a lot more appealing. It all depends on who they are dealing with. But the scammer will already know something about you; what you like; what you do, where you live, your hobbies.
After subscribing to their ‘offer,’ you’re in their hands. They have all the control over you they need to begin their work. And because their ‘offer’ is what you are happy to accept, they can begin the process easily, without restraint. A process that will allow them to scam you, not only today and tomorrow, but perhaps forever.
This is why before signing up to a subscription; you pause and take a moment to think about who is actually offering the subscription, whether it seems true, realistic and what are the terms and conditions.
It might be free now, but what happens later can cost a whole lot more; time, money, and distress.
Pausing, then thinking, gives you the power to make the right decision. It’s simple: an informed decision can help prevent the sharing of your private information and banking details to a scammer intent on causing you pain and loss.
If you are about to make a purchase online make sure you pause, think, then decide. Scammers are clever – be confident and trust that warning voice in your head when something is not quite right.
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.
