Majority of the world’s leading economies are in some form of cost of living crisis and in situations like this, individuals and businesses become more susceptible to fraud and get-rich-quick schemes, making them prime targets for fraudsters. This is because the three elements of the fraud triangle – Incentive, Opportunity, and Rationalization – are all amplified during economic challenges. Fraudsters take advantage of this period of vulnerability, enticing individuals into unwise financial decisions, such as fake investment opportunities promising unrealistically high returns. This piece helps to highlight these scams and prevent them. 

Key scams to watch out for::

• Investment Scams

Resist the allure of “guaranteed high returns.” Promises of guaranteed profits with little or no risk are often red flags for fraud. No legitimate investment offers such certainty without some level of risk. Before investing, thoroughly research the opportunity, understand the level of risk, and verify the credibility of the promoters. Ensure the investment is registered with financial authorities and consult with independent financial experts. Understanding the risks and details involved will help you avoid falling for deceptive schemes.

• Loan Scams

Exercise caution with lenders who bypass standard financial checks. Scammers may offer quick loans with minimal requirements, promising fast approval and no credit checks. However, legitimate lenders evaluate your financial status and credit history to assess repayment ability. Be wary of lenders who do not conduct proper checks or ask for upfront fees before granting you the loan. Verify the lender’s credentials, do your research, read reviews, and ensure they are registered with financial regulatory bodies. Always read the loan terms carefully to avoid hidden fees and unfavorable conditions.

• Phishing Scams 

Steer clear of suspicious links or attachments from unknown senders. Phishing scams trick you into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware. These scams often appear as emails, texts, or social media messages from seemingly legitimate sources. Verify the authenticity of such communications by contacting the organization directly through official channels, not the contact details provided in the suspicious message. Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources.

• Identity Theft 

Safeguard your personal information with utmost care. Identity theft involves the unlawful use of your personal data, such as National Identification Numbers or bank details, to commit fraud. Protect yourself by sharing information only with trusted entities and through secure methods. Regularly review your financial reports to identify unauthorized activities and report immediately to the right authorities if your information has been compromised.

Essential tactics for securing your personal and business information:

Implement the following measures to protect your personal and financial data:

• Guard Your Information 

Share personal details only with reputable and trusted individuals or organizations. Verify the legitimacy of information requests and use secure methods for sharing data. Ensure that websites, where you input personal information, are secure and avoid disclosing sensitive details through unsecured channels.

• Beware of Free Lunches

If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often use enticing offers of free goods or services to lure victims. Verify the authenticity of offers and opportunities by researching the company and its practices. Always conduct due diligence before engaging with any financial opportunity.

• Think Before You Click

Refrain from engaging with unsolicited emails or texts. Phishing scams often involve deceptive messages designed to steal your personal information. Verify the legitimacy of any message by contacting the organization directly through official channels. As always, avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

• Stay Vigilant

Regularly monitor your accounts for unusual activity. Frequently review your bank statements and financial reports to detect any discrepancies or unauthorized transactions. Set up alerts for transactions and changes in account activity to stay informed. Promptly address any suspicious activity by contacting your financial institutions.

• Double Down on Security

Utilize strong passwords and implement multi-factor authentication (MFA). Strong passwords should be complex and unique for each account. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification methods. Regularly update your passwords and security settings to protect your accounts.

If You’re a Victim:

• Report the Fraud

Contact your bank or credit card company immediately if you suspect fraud. They can help secure your accounts and review unauthorized transactions. Also, report the incident to local law enforcement to assist with the investigation and documentation required for financial institutions or credit bureaus.

• Change Credentials

Update your passwords and PINs as soon as you suspect your information has been compromised. Use strong, unique passwords and enable MFA for added security. Updating your credentials reduces the risk of further unauthorized access. Learn how to change the password to your Flutterwave account in this short video.

• Stay on Guard

Continuously monitor your accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity. Promptly address any irregularities and keep detailed records of your actions to assist with investigations and dispute resolution.

Remember, knowledge is power – use it to protect yourself and your finances! Share this knowledge with friends and family, keep them protected as well!