Carly Rowena, a British fitness and wellness influencer, recently experienced a painful lesson in online security when she was scammed out of £5,700 ($7,450) in cryptocurrency. Reflecting on her experience, Rowena shared vital insights on avoiding similar scams, which I believe every one of us should heed.
The Costly Mistake: How It Happened
Rowena’s scam story began with a seemingly harmless Instagram story from a friend. The post claimed that this friend had hired a finance professional who was making significant returns on bitcoin investments. Intrigued, Rowena reached out to her friend for more information. However, unbeknownst to her, her friend’s account had been hacked, and she was unwittingly engaging with a scammer.
Key Takeaways from Carly’s Experience
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Too Good to Be True?: If an opportunity seems unrealistic, pause. Rowena reflects, “I was like, it was too good to be true, and I still fell for it.”
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Verification is Crucial: Always confirm the identity of anyone offering investment advice. A simple verification could have saved Rowena thousands.
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Document Everything: Screenshot relevant messages for your records. These can be useful if you need to report a scam later.
Rowena’s Top Tips to Avoid Crypto Scams
1. Pause and Reflect
Rowena’s primary piece of advice is to take a moment to think. If something seems off, it likely is.
- Ask Yourself Questions: Why is this opportunity so enticing? What do I really know about the person offering it?
2. Consult with Others
Engaging in a conversation with a trusted friend or financial advisor can provide clarity. Rowena suggests discussing any investment opportunity before making decisions.
3. Beware of Pressure Tactics
Fraudsters often rush victims into making quick decisions. Rowena advises taking your time: “No opportunity will just vanish in a second.”
4. Stay Informed About Common Scams
Educate yourself about common scams and red flags, such as:
- Promises of guaranteed returns.
- Requests for urgent payments to release funds.
- Unverified online platforms.
The Emotional Fallout of Scams
The psychological impact of being scammed can be severe. Rowena reported feeling “stupid” and “embarrassed” after realizing she had been conned. Research from Akamai indicates that over 60% of cybercrime victims feel traumatized. Rowena’s story mirrors findings that:
- 59% of victims feel shame.
- 67% report embarrassment.
- 55% continue to experience anxiety about online interactions.
Understanding the Psychological Impact
According to Tara Quinn-Cirillo, a psychologist, victims often experience guilt and self-doubt after being scammed. This negative self-perception can hinder future online activities. Rowena admitted she has avoided investing in crypto since her experience, fearing further loss.
Taking Action After a Scam
If you find yourself in a similar situation, take immediate steps:
- Contact Your Bank: They may help you recover lost funds.
- Report the Fraud: Notify the police and relevant online platforms about the scam.
A Personal Circuit Breaker
Natalie Billingham from Akamai suggests implementing a “personal circuit breaker.” This means pausing before acting on online offers. Take a moment to evaluate the situation.
- How to Check for Validity: Confirm links and verify identities before taking any action.
The Persistent Nature of Fraudsters
Rowena is still receiving direct messages from the scammer. The fake Instagram account remains active, and she worries about others falling victim to the same scheme. “I can only imagine how much money she has if she’s got all of those people,” Rowena noted.
What Social Media Platforms Are Doing
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, states that fraudulent activity is not allowed on its platforms. They are actively investigating reports of scams to protect users.
Final Thoughts: Stay Vigilant
Carly Rowena’s story serves as a cautionary tale for anyone navigating the world of online investments. By taking proactive steps and educating ourselves about potential scams, we can protect our hard-earned money. Remember, if something feels too good to be true, it probably is.
