Things to Avoid

Scams online

This page is dedicated to safeguarding you from becoming a victim of cyber criminals, avoiding financial losses, and preserving your confidence and self-esteem. It's essential to recognise that these criminals are highly intelligent individuals with a single objective - obtaining your money. They are adept at assuming various roles, manipulating trust, and accessing your sensitive information and bank accounts. Only by educating yourself on the latest advanced online scams and prevention techniques, you can fortify your defences against these threats.

In this section, we emphasise the importance of carefully discerning between legitimate opportunities and scams. This knowledge holds the potential to safeguard not only your finances and time, but also your self-esteem and mental well-being. When individuals fall victim to scams, it can have a profound negative impact on their lives. Scammers often use illegally obtained funds to fuel their criminal activities, enhancing their equipment, techniques and making them even harder to detect and stop.

To protect yourself, start by equipping your system with multi-level protection through reliable anti-virus software applications. By fortifying your data and personal information, you can create a robust defence against scammers attempting to gain unauthorised access. Be vigilant, never share your passwords with anybody, stay informed, and shield yourself from potential threats in the digital landscape.

Cryptocurrencies

The cryptocurrencies market may not be what it appears to be. Despite promises of thriving opportunities, many offering these services do not operate on registered or regulated trading platforms. Beware of independent companies claiming 1-to-1 brokerage services with direct access to "miners."

Understanding the Terminology

In this context, a "miner" is an individual using a powerful computer, known as mining machines, connected to the internet and the crypto-trade market. However, these mining systems are often unregulated, and their existence and functionality are not guaranteed.

The Risks of Dealing with Independent Traders

Finding a legitimate and registered crypto advisor can be extremely challenging. Individual traders often resort to social media tactics to lure victims with promises of quick profits. They lack legitimacy, using fake websites and business addresses. Victims are asked to provide personal information, unknowingly falling into a sophisticated sales process that ends in disappointment.

Shortcuts and the Dangers of Trusting So-Called Experts

Many who attempt to profit from cryptocurrencies lack expertise and seek quick gains. They trust so-called experts who approach them directly on online communicators like WhatsApp or Telegram, posing as legitimate traders. These scammers often use multiple accounts to evade authorities, leading victims into a complex web of deceit. To add more authority, they are often incredibly polite and would never lose their temper, or admin fraud when asking for more and more money.

Official Routes and Professional Advice

For those interested in trading, it is crucial to use official, regulated routes and traditional currency instead of cryptocurrencies. Entrusting your investments to professionals is the best advice to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

How they do it

Scammers usually target vulnerable individuals who may be in urgent need of money, feeling depressed, desperate, or facing difficult life situations. Cryptocurrency scams are designed to build trust during the initial engagement. They employ a tactic of convincing you to deposit an amount that seems affordable yet significant enough to make you unwilling to lose it, leading you to pay more to retrieve it. These scams often offer packages with round numbers, starting from as little as $/£200 or $/£300, and gradually increasing to $/£400, $/£500, $/£600, and even up to $/£1600 in some cases. However, beware of deals that seem too good to be true. If you encounter a cryptocurrency Initial Coin Offering (ICO) or any investment opportunity promising high returns on investment (ROI), it should raise a red flag, prompting you to conduct thorough research. An ICO refers to the launch of a new cryptocurrency, similar to an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in the traditional stock market. Currently, ICOs lack substantial government regulation, making it easy for anyone to launch one if they have the necessary technology. However, the success of ICOs is highly uncertain, and they carry a significant risk of scams even in the best circumstances. Exercise caution and be aware of the potential pitfalls associated with such endeavours.

Stay safe

According to online security experts, it's essential to conduct thorough research on any platform before taking any hasty actions, such as depositing money. Several indicators can help determine the legitimacy of a website. First and foremost, check its security protocols. Modern browsers like Chrome will alert you if a site lacks proper security (it must be HTTPS, not HTTP). Pay close attention to the website's address and ensure it is correctly spelled, as scammers often use misspellings to deceive users. Be cautious of promises of extraordinary returns, as such claims can be a red flag for suspicious activity. Additionally, scrutinise the "About Us" page to verify the presence of real individuals. If the website provides social media links, examine those profiles thoroughly to ensure they are genuine, as some sites may display numerous "real people" who are actually fictitious. Check their review, if they are coming from one source only, this could be a scam. Vigilance in these areas can help safeguard against potential scams.

Here are some key facts.

Have you been scammed? Stop giving them more money.
Be prepared to receive an email shortly after transferring your money, stating that you are at risk of losing all your funds unless you pay someone like the "Miner" to rectify the situation. These scammers may claim that the Bitcoin quote is exceptionally high due to their recent profits of $/£200,000 or more the previous week, and they urgently need to "purchase" more at a certain irrational "quote, or else" to maintain their system's functionality. Scammers are very creative, don't try to be smarter. It won't work, leave it to the Police.
Stop looking for shiny objects, there are plenty of them out there but none of them is real.
If you lost your money to a scam, you can contact the Police, but in most cases you will not get you money back.
Call CAB, or Breathing Space (Scotland), Samaritans (UK), or check here and ask for an advice, person to talk to, or find Foodbank.
The scammers who deceived you will never provide genuine assistance; instead, they'll maintain a friendly relationship while pressuring you to send more money or crypto. They excel at inventing creative excuses to manipulate you. If possible, delete your account you have with them, app, block them, and most importantly, forget about them. When challenged, they'll reassure you that your funds are secure, using open-ended questions to form emotional connections and bonds. This tactic often leads people to continue communicating with them for extended periods (known as Stockholm syndrome), even after falling victim to their scams. However, you must not become one of their victims. Your well-being and life are far more valuable than the money lost in the process.
At the forefront of their elaborate scheme, scammers are backed by cutting-edge technology, often displaying local phone numbers to appear more legitimate. With extensive experience of deceiving countless victims online, they anticipate and address all potential questions with remarkable knowledge. Some scammers are part of larger international networks, ready to implement various marketing strategies to ensnare unsuspecting targets.
Picture a high-street shop with excellent customer service, engaging in supportive and compassionate interactions with a teasing charm - that's precisely how they present themselves. They come across as friendly, educated, and polite individuals, yet they are likely to avoid video calls, offering excuses like network issues or lack of time. This ensures that no recording or screenshot evidence can be used against them later. Interestingly, their voice often doesn't match the photos they use in their profiles, adding to the deception. You might encounter a business person in a suit from one part of the world, while hearing a voice typical of another region.
Moreover, these scammers skillfully divulge unrelated personal details to keep your mind occupied. They may present themselves with uncommon, posh-sounding names, aiming to build your trust through unparalleled politeness, patience, and confidence. However, when you attempt to verify their identities on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn, you may find that their profiles either don't exist or lack any relevant information such as company name, city, or country. These cunning tactics are meant to lure you into a false sense of security while they continue their deceitful operations.
Scammers operate under multiple deceptive personas, posing as customers, business partners, friends, and even IT support personnel like your internet provider (this is very common). They seamlessly communicate with their targets through various channels like phone calls, Telegram (a preferred choice for them), WhatsApp, email, or Facebook. In reality, they are all gathered in one or two rooms, working together to execute their elaborate schemes.
Occasionally, one scammer might purchase a sophisticated "ghost server" from another scammer on the dark web, following the provided guidelines without any genuine support team.
The scammers show no concern for the potential impact of their fraudulent activities on unsuspecting victims located anywhere in the world. In some cases, the "big bitcoin brand" they claim to represent may boast a team of "professionals" in a seemingly legitimate call centre, supposedly ready to provide assistance. However, behind the scenes, there might be only two or three individuals handling everything. These scammers employ multiple smartphones and assume various roles to create the illusion of a large and capable team, all while playing a convincing game to maintain their deception.
You may observe that they appear to be constantly available, claiming to work tirelessly. However, the truth is that they operate in shifts, similar to a regular job, and relay information to their fellow scammers before their shift ends. These scammers utilise platforms like Telegram or Social Media, strategically placing comments about their "legitimate job" or investment opportunities just below genuine job offers posted by others worldwide.
Once they have targeted a few potential victims, and their capacity is filled, they promptly remove the advertisements, often within minutes or hours of being posted. Crypto, or other scammers then guide their victims on setting up a Virtual Wallet to send money, promising lucrative returns in a short span. A red flag sign is always a slight delay when conversing with both the client from the Telegram group and the so-called "Manager" simultaneously, as they are essentially one and the same, perpetrating their deceitful tactics.
In addition to their deceptive tactics, scammers may even portray themselves as disadvantaged customers, using photos of wheelchairs users and luxury items like new cars to evoke sympathy and admiration for their apparent success. These fraudsters are skilled in emotional intelligence and will always avoid offending you while manipulating your emotions.
Beware of the scammers' persistence in their deception. After the first "Bitcoin Manager" swindle, they may introduce another supposedly superior manager, using persuasive language to entice you with the promise of greater profits. Despite losing money previously, they will make the new investment seem smaller to avoid suspicion. However, the cycle of deceit continues when they claim you need a non-existent "Bitcoin Trading Account" and offer a way to obtain it at a suspiciously low price.
As the requests for money keep coming, the losses mount uncontrollably, leaving a serious impact on your life. It's crucial not to attempt recovering the funds as dealing with these ruthless criminals can be dangerous, and they may already possess your personal information. If you feel unsafe, contact the police immediately, and avoid engaging with them from other accounts or emails. Remember, when registering on their "system," which is merely a basic website, you unwittingly provided them with all your details.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cryptocurrencies market poses significant risks due to an unregulated market and deceptive individuals. Staying informed and cautious while seeking expert guidance can protect you from falling prey to scams and ensure a safer than crypto, or trading journey. Beware of Facebook, WhatsApp, or Telegram, so-called "experts" claiming to represent legitimate trading companies. In most cases, they are not associated with any reputable trading platform. If they ask you to purchase virtual currency outside their system and send it to them, exercise extreme caution as recovering your funds becomes nearly impossible. While it may be theoretically possible to track stolen BTC through blockchain monitoring, in practice, the anonymous nature of the currency and non-existent "traders" make it incredibly challenging. It's best to steer clear of cryptocurrencies and focus on legal and tangible job opportunities and volunteering to safeguard your financial and personal well-being.

Stock Market - Individual Advisors

Avoid investing in the stock market through middle-man advisors. Many experienced professionals have lost their jobs and money due to bad investments in this unpredictable and addictive business. Relying solely on YouTube videos, TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook Ads won't make you a stock market expert. Be cautious of "independent professionals" with short histories and numerous fake reviews online. Regulated trading platforms provide fair warnings during setup – it's crucial to listen to their advice unless you possess the necessary skills, time, and funds to take on the associated risks.

Remember, CFDs (Contract for Difference) are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. In fact, 75.6% of retail investors lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. Before proceeding, ensure you fully understand how CFDs work and evaluate whether you can afford the high risk of potential financial loss. Many genuine reviews published under YouTube trading training videos are heart-breaking, revealing how people lose not just their money but also their will to live. Be cautious when someone promises that A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) will effortlessly make you money in the stock market. Even with advanced financial models, professional traders often face significant losses on a daily basis.

Conclusion

Navigating the stock market can be like sailing in uncharted waters, where fortunes can be made or lost in the blink of an eye. While some investors reap substantial rewards, others face a harsh reality, witnessing their hard-earned savings dwindle to nothing. The stock market is not for amateurs, as it involves complex financial instruments and high levels of risk. Many people can lose all of their invested money due to the unpredictable nature of the market. Even with the use of advanced financial models and technology, professional traders also experience substantial losses. It is crucial for individuals to exercise caution and seek expert advice before venturing into the stock market to mitigate potential financial pitfalls.

Quick steps to recovery

Step 1 - Visit CAB Scam site. When you experience a loss, it's essential to accept it and move forward. Treat it as a valuable lesson and shift your focus to something positive. Falling victim to a scam can be a traumatic experience for many, but you don't have to let it define you. Instead, use it as an opportunity for growth and resilience. Remember, there are countless possibilities and achievements waiting for you in life. Embrace the future with determination and a positive outlook, and you'll find the strength to overcome any setback.

Step 2 - Change all your passwords immediately. Get the Anti-virus software. Report the Scam to the Police online.

Step 3 - Talk to your friends and family about it, join online, or in person support group, your mental health matters.

Step 4 - Now you are much stronger and will achieve things those scammers have no idea about.

Step 5 - After a few days this will not impact you so much anymore, after few weeks you will not be bothered too much, because you have a new purpose, new activities on your radar. A year, or two from now you won't even remember it, that's the fact.

Step 6 - Look at you, just like it never happened, actually you are much stronger person. Well done!