We all should avoid it like hell, but many of us, even intellectuals can get scammed just like anyone else. We all heard about telemarketing, money making schemes and so forth. However there are WAYS to recognize if certain people are trying to rip you off or shake you down.
A first sign is when they're contacting you either by phone, email or even in person, speculating the time when you would expect it the least. Basically they will try to catch you unprepared as you're much more vulnerable at that certain point.
Another sign is when they sound to friendly, to nice, as you were old pals from high-school. Its just another way to manipulate and an attempt to get what they really want.
If they are persistent and persuasive. When they seem to have an argument for about anything and they refuse to take NO for an answer.
Another sign is when they're trying to rush you into making a decision, as they don't wanna give you time to change your mind. They wanna be short and sweet. I once was late to work because of a telemarketer who was trying to sell me a multiple magazine subscription and wouldn't let me get off the phone. „I'll call you back, I'm late to work” .. „No, we have to do this now, we're almost there”.. I ended up paying close to a thousand dollars on some stupid magazines after a long stressful battle with a collecting company they sent me to.
Telling you you're on your way for a big prize, like a million dollar win if you sign-up and asking you to send money for something in advance.
Requesting your personal info, such as credit card numbers, bank account numbers, address, everything. The main purpose here is that if you happen to change your mind or stop paying them, they can send all your info to a collection company that can harass you and threat you with lawsuits. If it does get there you will most likely give it up and pay.
