There are scam artists born every day, but only a select few have made it to the top of their trade. You'll become more familiar with the types of scams and the masterminds behind them, to avoid getting scammed in the future. These 4 valuable tips will help you spot a scam from a mile away:
1) The Ponzi Scheme - The man infamous for having a scheme named after him. Althogh most people associate the Ponzi scheme with Bernie Madoff, it was Charles Ponzi who coined the term first. Charles Ponzi gained notoriety in the early 1920's by promising investors tremendous returns with very low risk involved. He would set up a legit business company and slowly defraud it over a short period of time. Ponzi had ammassed a fortune of over $20 million before his capture and arrest.
Tip: Beware of any "get rich quick" investment opportunities that sound "too good to be true". The odds are that it's most likely a scam.
2) The Madoff Scam - When it comes to fraud, there is one name that stands above the rest, and that name is Bernie Madoff. Bernie Madoff was responsible for bilking many investors out of billions of dollars. It is estimated that he stole over $65 billion in total throughout the course of his criminal career. He created the largest Ponzi scheme in U.S. history. It is speculated that he began his Ponzi scheme as far back as the 1980's until his arrest in 2009.
Tip: Make sure you have a trusted and reputable broker before you make any financial investments in the stock market. Take the time to do your research, it's well worth it.
3) The Abagnale Scam - Abagnale is best known for his incredible and cunning impersonation tactics. He would go as far as to impersonate an airline pilot, a physician and an attorney. Abagnale was also noted for many daring escapes, including one escape from a moving airplane at JFK Airport. Catch Me If You Can was a movie based on his autobiography, with Leonardo Dicaprio portraying him in the lead role. He currently works as the most saught after authority on forgery and embezzlement, even working with the FBI in a twisted bit of ironic fate.
Tip: Do not accept personal checks from people you don't know or trust without proper verification.
4) The Internet Scam - Scam artists are abundant on the Internet. The Internet makes it even easier due to anonymity. Email scams, such as the Nigerian 419 scam, are the most popular ones used. The email tells you that you were carefully selected by the Nigerian government to transfer funds. It goes further to say that you will be well-reincompinsated for your troubles. Do not open any emails unless you recognize the sender.
Tip: Don't hand out your credit card information to anyone over the Internet unless you know them or trust the sender. Likewise, do not give personal information, such as social security, to anyone either. For all the online shoppers out there, make sure you only use reputable and secured websites before making any payment transactions online.
|
Warning! Don't Fall For These Common Marketing Tricks!
Here are ten common marketing ploys that you should be aware of, which will help you spend your money in a more informed manner.
Shocking! How Thieves Steal Card Details at the ATM
Take note of some of the most common ways thieves will try to steal your credit card details.
Beware! 10 Tech Scams That Could Target You in 2024
Beware of these dangerous scams in 2024.
Keep These Things In Mind When Paying With a Credit Card
Skimming is a technique that is used to steal credit card details. This guide will show you how to protect yourself and prevent your details being compromised.
WARNING: Don't Fall for These Common Instagram Scams!
Protect yourself from phishing on Instagram with these tips.
Doctor Tip: How to Prevent Ingrown Hair
In this insightful video, Dr. Adedeji shares her expertise on preventing ingrown hairs.
The Story of Skidboot: An Amazing Dog!
The story of Skidboot is a happy and sad one...
Watch a Thai Chiropractor Fixing a Spine With a Hammer!
Thailand is a country that's known for specializing in many different kinds of massages, but would you dare be massaged by a man wielding a hammer?
17 Inventive Wedding Invitations No One Would Say No To
Some wedding invitations are pretty bland, but not these genius creations. Here are 17 invitations that no one would ever turn down.
Have You Been Believing These Christmas Myths Too?
Read on for several myths about Christmas stories and traditions.
Where Did These Common Sayings Come From? Fascinating!
You're probably aware of these common sayings, but where did they originate from? Fascinating!
The 10 Most Powerful Regrets People Have at the End
What are the 10 biggest regrets people have at the end of their days? Find out the truth...
1950s Debunked: Correcting Misconceptions About the Era
The 1950s may not have been as idyllic as we have been made to believe.
14 Senior Graduates Prove It’s Never Too Late To Learn
Here are 14 inspiring examples of people who pursued education and knowledge in their senior years.
10 Difficult Words in English Everyone Should Know
English has many difficult words with meanings that are nearly impossible to guess, which makes them super tough to remember. Here are 10 such words
These Fascinating Cat Facts Are Well Worth Sharing
You're definitely not a cat lover unless you know these 10 awesome facts about them!
Meet the Sweet Girl With a ‘Benjamin Button’ Condition
Meet Isla Kilpatrick-Screaton, the only girl in the world with 'Benjamin Button' disease.
Beautiful! All Dog Lovers Can Relate to This Touching Poem
Any dog lover can relate to this touching poem by Jimmy Stewart about his beloved dog Beau. Send this poem to those you know who love dogs too.
The Many Calendars of the Modern World - Fascinating!
This video reviews some of the most common calendars in the modern world.
Ancient Technologies That Remain a Complete Mystery
Scientists may have solved the mystery of Egyptian pyramids, but there are still so many findings that are left completely unexplained
Hitler and Stalin Weren’t the Only Evil Leaders in History
History has seen some truly cruel leaders. Let’s learn a little about some of the most ruthless ones.
15 of the Best Books for Seniors and Older Adults
Check out our definitive list of amazing books that every senior will enjoy.
The Extraordinary Lives of the Oldest Record Breakers
From marathoners and skydivers to body-builders and pianists, here are some of the world’s oldest record-breakers.
Take a Look At These Mind-bending Optical Illusions
Optical illusions are a great ways of showing how the mind can play tricks on you, and the ones you're about to see are no exception.
WATCH: Old Hollywood Legends Bring 'Uptown Funk' to Life
These vintage stars grooving to 'Uptown Funk' will make your day.
24 Classic Books That Give You Important Life Lessons
Here is a look at ten great classic books that have some deep underlying moral lessons for all of us.
Good News Alert! 11 Positive Things You Need to Know About
If you look for good news, you’ll always find it. Here are some wonderful things happening around us right now.
Behold the Worst Predictions in History!
Not every prediction is true, and some of them, like the ones on this list - miss the mark by a mile!
7 Still Unanswered Questions About JFK's Assassination
There are many questions surrounding John F. Kennedy's death that remain unanswered. Here are 7 of the issues that are yet to be addressed.
Why Do I Suddenly Need Subtitles for Every Show I Watch?
Have our ears gone bad, or is it simply bad acting? Neither. It's the tech - it's just TOO advanced.
Take a 4K, Vivid Walk Through the Streets of 1911 New York
Watching this 110 year old restored video if New York actually feels like a glimpse to a time long gone.
Watch These Old Historical Photos Come Magically to Life
Russian animator Alexey Zakharov has managed to achieve something amazing: he animates old photos and turns them into film. You've got to see this.
Got a Problem? Maybe These Funny Fixes Will Inspire You!
The fixes for these problems are going to bring a huge grin to your face!
These Photos Make Sure We Will Never Forget WW2
These photos document some of the moments of this epic yet haunting time in our history. I hope that future generations will not forget the lessons that war has taught us.
Video Box: The Most Amazing Guinness Records!
Don't miss these 16 world record-breaking feats, performed by both humans and animals alike!
10 World War I Inventions We Still Use Every Day
From trench coats, to pilates and blood banks, all of these 10 things we think of as very modern were actually conceived during WWI.
I Wish They Taught Me These Math Tips at School
Bad at math? Learn how to use these quick and easy methods.
Incredible Photos of Veterans from the Napoleonic Wars
Take a look at these incredible and only photos of veterans during the Napoleonic war.
13 Insightful & Thoughtful Quotes by John F. Kennedy
In this article, we will explore some of the best quotes by John F. Kennedy, which reveal the depth of his wisdom and his dedication to public service.
These Vintage Photos are Both Funny & Bizarre!
Check out these 15 weird sights from the past, which you certainly won't see nowadays!
Ever Wonder What People Were Like Thousands of Years Ago?
Some of these ancient faces frown and others smile, but together they tell the fascinating history of humanity.
The English Samurai: The True History Behind 'Shogun'
In this article, we will look at the TRUE history behind the celebrated book Shogun.
12 Accurate Facts That Sounds TOO Weird to Believe
With authentic facts like these, who needs fiction?
Witness the Might of the World's Greatest Empires
The world's greatest civilizations and empires had a marked effect on history and shaped the world as we know it today. Watch these informative videos.
8 Creative Musical Instruments Made from Natural Materials
Here are some wonderful musical instruments that are made of natural materials.
If You Want a Smile, This Video Will Give it To You!
Watch this video to add some sugar to your day.
These Feel-Good Facts Warmed My Heart...
These feel-good facts would warm anyone's heart.