So I am wondering who would be interested in doing a group call, one of our members has a couple of ideas that he would like to share with us. Depending where you are in the world would depend on what time we could do the call. If you would to be a part of this call if you could drop a note below with what times you are available and what time zone you are in, then I can try and figure out a time that will work best for everyone.

I would love to have some opinions, on what you think is the biggest scam, that has affected the most people in recent years???

Scams on online marketplaces, especially Facebook Marketplace, are on the rise, with various tactics used by fraudsters to deceive buyers and sellers. Common Types of Scams 1. Advance Payment Scams: Scammers may ask for payment upfront or a deposit for an item they never intend to deliver. This is common with high-value items like vehicles or electronics. Tip: Always inspect the item before paying. 2. Fake Shipping and Payment Scams: Fraudsters might send fake shipping labels or claim to have pre-paid for shipping. They often ask sellers to provide personal information or payment for shipping insurance. Tip: Verify shipping claims directly with the shipping company and never share personal information like verification codes. 3. Phishing Scams: Scammers may send links to fake websites to steal personal information. These links can be disguised as payment confirmations or shipping labels. Tip: Avoid clicking on suspicious links and only use secure payment methods through the marketplace. 4. Third-Party Payment Scams: Scammers may insist on using third-party payment apps instead of the marketplace's secure payment options. Tip: Stick to cash or the marketplace's payment system to ensure protection. 5. Vehicle Scams: In these scams, sellers offer vehicles at attractive prices but require a deposit to hold the car. Once the deposit is paid, the seller disappears. Tip: Always verify the vehicle's title and history before making any payments.

Scammers never stop inventing new and sneaky ways to rip you off. That’s why knowing what to look out for and what to do if something doesn’t feel right is so important. Here’s how to protect yourself from three common scams. Investment scam 🤑 Someone tries to lure you into an investment opportunity through a website or social media, promising huge returns and little to no risk. They pressure you to invest quickly in stocks, real estate or cryptocurrency, only to take your money and run. Tips: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Question any investment opportunity offering big returns from websites or people you don’t know or trust. Be extra careful if the investment involves cryptocurrency. Charity scam 🙏 You receive a call or are approached on the street by someone pretending to represent a real charity and asking for donations. They may pressure you to donate on the spot, or share a story to tug on your heartstrings – and your wallet. Tips: If you’re feeling pressured to donate immediately, hang up or walk away. If you want to donate later, research the charity, verify their contact information, and use a charity evaluation website to check their trustworthiness. Delivery scam 🚚 You get an urgent text message or email about a package, and it says you have to update your delivery information or pay a fee for undelivered items or “priority service”. The scammer might appear to be from Canada Post or another courier, but they actually want to steal your money and/or personal information. Tips: Don’t click any links in an unsolicited text message or email. If you’re expecting a delivery, use the official website of the courier to track your package.

Most scams today don’t happen because people aren’t smart — they happen because scammers are fast. They rush you into reacting before your brain has a chance to question what’s happening. That’s why one of the simplest (and most powerful) tools you can use is something I call the 'Pause Before You Press Rule'. 👉 Here’s how it works: Whenever you get a message that triggers an instant reaction — fear, excitement, urgency, or guilt — PAUSE! Take 30 seconds. Breathe. Ask yourself: - “Would this person or company normally contact me this way?” - “Are they pushing me to do something right now?” - “Can I verify this independently?” Nine times out of ten, that short pause is enough to break the scammer’s control. 💬 Discussion: Have you ever caught a scam just because you stopped for a moment instead of clicking right away? Share your experience below — your story could help someone else stay safe! 🛡️