Technology has made it possible to shop on all continents from the comfort of your cellphone, laptop, or computer. As a result, you will meet genuine business people and con artists posing as traders, but in reality, they are out to scam you. Here are ten characteristics of online cons.
1. Downloaded pictures
The online con uses Internet-sourced photos to push sales, which are professionally edited to make them eye-catching to entice a sucker.
2. Private account
The con's social media account will always be private. You will never access it to see friends or family photos.
3. Doesn't use real names
This is the biggest give-away of most cons. They will either use two English names or names that will throw people off the scent of their real identity. They are embarrassed by their friends finding out the real source of "god's blessings" that has launched them into wealth overnight.
4. Always interact in private
In private is where they will lure you with all the sweet words in peace without intruders raising the alarm. So they will always ask you to either join them on WhatsApp or send them a private message to inquire about the merchandise.
5. Limited stock
This raises anxiety and makes you feel like you might lose out on that opportunity. So, you will send them money for reservations or 'booking.' But immediately the cash lands on their phone, they will block you pronto before withdrawing the quid.
6. Flowery language
The language they will use includes mentions of God, but woe unto you if you are the kind who is always inquisitive because that's when they will unleash the intense profanities that can only be whispered in the cover of darkness.
7. Below market rates
The con artist knows people are more willing to risk small sums of money, so their prices are always on the lower side. This is just a bait to draw you in before they swallow your hook, line, and sinker. This is common among 'house brokers' who lure home seekers with Sh20k less rent in posh areas.
8. Newer phone numbers
It's rare to see a con with a '0722' number or some of the other 'veteran' phone numbers. They will always have recently launched numbers for mobile cash purposes before throwing them away once enough suckers have been netted, and they change numbers.
9. No physical address
Cons have no physical addresses for their business, preferring to pretend they operate from home. As a result, meeting them is even more chaotic due to silly excuses followed by cat and mouse games.
10. Regular group postings
Cons never tire of posting their fake merchandise because they want to cast a wider net for a bigger harvest. Those who show interest are issued with follow-ups, frequently probing when you need to make the purchase. They will never give up on you unless they realize you've caught up on their game.
