Beware of Scammers

Other
#1

I'm sorry to report that even on sites such as this, where we are here to help ourselves and one another, there will be entities who will attempt to scam you for your personal information and your money.

This does not indicate that this is a bad app or that the persons 'behind the curtain' who run this app are perpetuating these scams. This merely means that this app, like every other means of social contact on the planet, is susceptible to misuse by persons or entities who wish to take advantage of others.

PLEASE NEVER PROVIDE STRANGERS WITH SENSITIVE PERSONAL INFORMATION. This includes things such as your
FULL NAME
HOUSE ADDRESS
PHONE NUMBER
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS
SNAPCHAT OR OTHER APP CONTACT INFO
and other sensitive personal information.

NEVER BELIEVE THAT SOMEONE IS 'GIVING YOU MONEY' IF YOU CAN ONLY PAY THE DELIVERY FEE OR PROCESSING/ TRANSACTION FEE. THEY ARE SCAMMING YOU.

I've been contacted today by one such scammer. I took screenshots of the inbox conversation. I sent an email to Loosid Support and included the screenshots and pertinent information. I contacted the FCC and reported the incident.

The following is a link to information about these types of scams and the do's and do nots of dealing with potential scammers. There is a hyperlink to the FCC in the attached article. This article even mentions the exact scam with the same name and information that this entity used with me today.

How to spot a Powerball, Mega Millions lottery winner scam

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#2

I can't think of much lower than preying on recovering addicts

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#3

Kelly unfortunately there are many on here. This person friend requested me twice already. I just denied it and reported it. At least this one was super obvious.

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#4

Anyone who falls for this nonsense kinda deserves it.

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#5

It's sad, but this is the new way crime is done.

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#6

I'm glad you did, Mandy. I'm sorry this keeps happening.

#7

No, Taylor, they/we do not. It's so easy for us to want to believe that the answer to our problems is right there at our fingertips. H³ll, we're used to taking the softer, easier way out. I have great compassion for people who become prey. I've been prey most of my life. Today, I want to be the prey that the predator regrets targeting.

#8

I get what you're saying, it just seems like a lot of wasted energy, tripping out/reposting internet fückery. I'm just trying to stay sober and help others to do the same.

The fact is, most people are "scammers" whether they realize it or not. Lying about your height/age/profession, dying your hair, strategic photo angles, curated photos representing us in our best light always, enhancement surgeries, all of these things we do to represent ourselves differently than who we are. People complain about "catfishing" when they themselves are wearing a mask (almost quite literally).

I guess I don't think people should be scammed if they are too dumb to realize it. The scam PSA you posted just seems so ridiculous that I couldn't see anyone falling for it, so the crusade against it seemed like a waste of mental energy and time you could spend watching cats do funny stuff on YouTube shorts.

"The prey that the predator regrets targeting "? Hahahaha come on now, that's a bit dramatic. How you gonna make this AI generated "scam" regret ANYTHING?

1 Like
#9

Okay, so I'm a dramatic person lol. I'm a particularly dramatic writer.

I get what you're saying and to that extent, we all deceive. There might be some exceptions, but they are likely in a monastery or ashram, a Buddhist temple somewhere. (Not saying that atheists cannot live without "masks" but those examples are what first came to mind.

I'm a very intelligent person. I may not be as overflowing with common sense as I am book knowledge, but I'm very intelligent. I wanted to believe that someone wanted to help me. I'm in an extremely effed up place financially. Movers scammed me and now have 90% of my belongings, as well as belongings of two of my sons. Things that are important to them. That fact informed my hope to be "rescued" by a kind stranger.

I am skeptical by nature, however. I also believe in Heinlein's TANSTAAFL. (There ain't no such thing as a free lunch) :laughing: So I generally check things out before I make big mistakes. Except for the @ss#ole movers. I was in dire straights and was led to believe things were going my way, when they weren't. The broker for the moving company lured me in with 'hey, I'm in recovery too and so is my boss, we'll get you the best deals yada yada.' Everyone falls for something eventually.

Not everyone knows to fact-check b4 believing/hoping for relief from one huge burden or another. I feel sympathy and empathy for my brothers and sisters who fall for the pretty thing/ opportunity/ person that they are presented with. I've been that person in a number of instances in my life. Sometimes need outweighs logic.

(I was trying to edit my reply and accidentally reported it sml lol)

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#10

I feel bad for the guy in that pic, I'm sure he has no knowledge his pic is being used.

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#11

Thank you so much for sharing. I appreciate it.

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#12

Good call. Thank you for reminding me to think of him.

(Is readily available knowledge that his likeness is being utilized thusly. He's aware. :wink:)

You're enjoyable to banter with. :grin:

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#13

You're welcome, my friend :orange_heart:

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#14

I love kitty vids! :heart_eyes:

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#15

"You're enjoyable to banter with" me? Hahahaha

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#16

I cannot tell if you're teasing me, making fun of me, or being serious in a playful way. I have trouble with social cues, sometimes :roll_eyes:

#17

I was being self deprecating.

Everyone has trouble with social cues via text! You're not special in that regard haha

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#18

Uhmm, gee thanks? :laughing:
Self-deprecation is my former middle name. Nice to meet you, fellow-not-special-human. :joy::rofl:

I am aware, but thankful that I'm occasionally reminded, that I'm not unique in my awkwardness and that feeling of unique weirdness is just another form of self-centeredness and ego. It sucks, but it's a healthy reminder.

#19

We are only special to the people we are special to, and those reasons vary. We are not special in the big picture. We are the same decaying matter as everything else. People become devastated at the idea of not being special. But it's freeing to realize that then embrace it and then never have to think about it again.

Buncha kitten bloods whining because people don't think they are as special as they think they are. Come on now.

1 Like
#20

Indubitably so.