Golden Rules to Help You Beat the Scammers

by Amir Fazel on

Scammers are imaginative and manipulative. They know how to push your buttons to produce the response they want.  New immigrants must be even more careful since North America has a lot of scams and business frauds not very common in the Old World.  Remember these rules to beat the scammers.  

  1. Always get independent advice if an offer involves money, personal information, time or commitment.
  2. There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes—sometimes the only people who make money are the scammers.  
  3. Do not agree to offers or deals right away.  If you think you have spotted a great opportunity, insist on time to get independent advice before making a decision.  
  4. Do not hand over money or personal information, or sign anything until you have done your homework and checked the credentials of the company that you are dealing with.  
  5. Do not rely on glowing testimonials: find solid evidence of a company’s success.  
  6. Log directly on to a website that you are interested in rather than clicking on links provided in an email.  
  7. Never send money, or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust.  
If you spot a scam or have been scammed, get help.  Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, the Competition Bureau or your local police for assistance.
 
These rules are quoted from the Little Black Book of Scams.  For more information, read the Little Black Book of Scams: Your Guide to Protection against Fraud, published by the Competition Bureau of the Government of Canada.