Simple Rules Against Scams

Many scams are going on. All with different flavours. I cannot possible blog about every known scam - but let's face it. It is easy to prevent scams. Just a few simple rules.

1. If it is too good to be true, it is.
2. Never ever disclose your user name and password to any third party. No one credible will ask you for it. Banks must know you. Google must know you. If they do not know you, they are not from the bank or credit card centre, or whatever.
3. Unless you call your bank based on the phone number behind your credit card, do NOT give out your credit card number.
4. If someone asks you to do stupid stuff - like turn of your phone, install a software - do not do it. It's probably a scam.
5. Speak to them in Bahasa Malaysia. Scams are often carried out by foreigners. They cannot speak our national language.

If you are unsure that to do - it's easy. Just delay it. Tell them, please call me back in two hours. That's all. You then have two hours to think about it, talk to your friends or family, and relax. That way, you will make a better decision.

It's the same even when someone calls you to say they have kidnapped your loved one. Tell them you will be ready to negotiate in two hours. If it is for a ransom of a million dollars, they will wait for days if they have to. Who the heck gets paid say a million dollars or 3 days' work? And real kidnappers will keep the hostages a life and unhurt. Hostages are only valuable to kidnappers when they are alive.

So, remember - if you get an unsolicited call asking for something weird, just ask them to call back in 2 hours or 24 hours.