The other day, while I was engrossed in a search for a captivating Dr. Phil episode, I found myself facing an unpleasant reality. My YouTube account had been hacked, leaving me in a state of shock. It was a wake-up call that prompted me to reflect on the various scams I had encountered. In an effort to help young people like myself steer clear of these fraudulent schemes, I decided to compile this article. Read on to discover some common scams and learn how to protect yourself from falling victim to them.

1. Modeling Gigs – Beware of False Promises
   Scammers often target individuals through Instagram, posing as photographers, modeling agencies, or companies. They might claim to adore your profile and offer you modeling opportunities or the chance to become a brand ambassador. However, there are telltale signs of a scam. If you’ve never modeled before, have a private account, or can’t find legitimate company reviews online, it’s likely a fraudulent scheme. I recall a personal
   experience where a jewelry company approached me. Despite my prior modeling work, it turned out to be a scam. They promised free jewelry but added exorbitant shipping fees at checkout. To avoid such scams, stay vigilant and always verify the legitimacy of individuals and companies before proceeding.
2. Psychic and Clairvoyant Messages – Don’t Fall for Deceptive Readings
   As someone who practices tarot, I have encountered my fair share of scammers who target unsuspecting individuals via Facebook or Instagram direct messages. They might claim to have a special message for you from a higher power, piquing your curiosity and luring you in for a reading. However, once the reading concludes, they demand an exorbitant fee, even though you initially believed it would be free. Stay cautious and skeptical of such messages, as legitimate psychic practitioners do not approach strangers unsolicited and demand payment for their services.
3. Beware of Internet Relationships – The “Nigerian Prince” Scam
   Internet relationships can be a source of joy and connection, but they can also become avenues for deception. Beware of individuals who seem too good to be true, especially those who request money from you under false pretenses. These scammers often promise to pay you back with interest, playing on your emotions and trust. To protect yourself, ask for video verification and specific actions to confirm their identity. If your long-distance
   partner consistently avoids meeting or fails to provide satisfactory evidence, take it as a red flag. Remember, why would an immensely successful person rely on a stranger from another part of the world for financial help?
4. Sugar Daddy Scams – Recognize the Warning Signs
   With the rise of social media trends glorifying the “easy life” and sugar daddy relationships, scammers have capitalized on this fascination. They might approach you as sugar daddies or sugar mommies, offering a large weekly allowance without any explicit expectations. However, once they gain your trust and obtain your PayPal or bank account information, the scam begins. They claim to have sent you money and ask for a small sum back, exploiting your belief in their initial gesture. Always conduct thorough research and be cautious when sharing personal financial information.
5. Work Platform Scams – Be Wary of Unscrupulous Offers
   Job scams can be particularly distressing, as they often appear on reputable platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn. Scammers may pose as recruiters, praising your ideal profile and offering immediate employment. However, they require you to create a profile on their database, which can expose you to additional work without any compensation. Moreover, be mindful that any website can potentially sell your data to other companies, compromising your privacy. Be cautious when dealing with platforms like Cambly or other tutoring services that
   offer minimal pay and lengthy waiting periods before actual work begins. While they may present themselves as job opportunities, they often fall short of providing genuine employment.
6. Avoid Law Enforcement Scams – Protect Your Finances
   Law enforcement scams can be highly convincing and prey on individuals’ fear of legal consequences. Recently, a close friend of mine fell victim to such a scam. She received a call from someone claiming to be from the government, informing her of unpaid taxes and the possibility of deportation. Panicked, she shared her credit card information over the phone, assuming it was a legitimate request. Unfortunately, she lost a substantial amount of money. Remember, law enforcement agencies would never request sensitive information or
   payment over the phone. Stay vigilant and protect your financial well-being by never sharing credit card details over unsolicited calls.
7. Google Play Card Scams – Exercise Caution with Gift Card Requests
   Gift card scams have become increasingly prevalent, targeting unsuspecting individuals in various settings, including the workplace. In my personal experience, I encountered such a scam during my first week on the job. I received an email from what appeared to be my boss, requesting assistance in purchasing gift cards for Christmas presents. Naively, I bought the cards with my own money and shared the codes with the scammer. It was only later that my real boss alerted me to the presence of scams in my inbox. I lost a significant amount of money and felt ashamed of my mistake. Always exercise caution and verify any unusual requests with the person directly before taking any action.

The stories I have shared highlight the importance of conducting thorough research and exercising caution in the face of potential scams. Always rely on reputable sources, search for testimonials from others who have encountered similar situations and trust your instincts. By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from falling victim to online fraud.

This was written by our contributing writer, Suzanne Latre.