An email from the address of a friend said she was stranded overseas. Someone had stolen her passport and wallet. She urgently needed to borrow some money. However, the tone of the email didn’t sound like my friend. Suspecting deception, I didn’t send money.

A week later, my friend emailed to say her account had been hacked. “Don’t send money. I’m not overseas,” she said.

The source of a message affects its interpretation. Knowing its validity determines our response and whether or not we become victims.

Fraud is a bigger issue than having our money scammed. People’s souls and quality of life are at stake. Below are some considerations to protect you from being duped.Continue Reading