A dose of sceptism

Making sure that as a person you have a hefty dose of scepticism packed in your arsenal to take on each day is empirical in the 21st century.

I know I risk being called a cynic by saying this, but a person can never be too careful and should never take occurrences at face value.

Double check, triple check, but make sure that you get what you are paying for, be it from an online store or from a person.

I’m not saying people should be paranoid, avoid all human contact and look over their shoulders every 20 seconds. That would be no way to live your life.

But people need to make use of their scepticism, question the events, why would anyone award you money or a new car that was the “grand prize” for a competition you never even entered.

For example, when I was still in high school I received an SMS saying that I had won a washing powder competition, because I bought washing powder.

Now for me, immediately there was something wrong – not once had I ever bought washing powder!

Looking back now I should have reported it as a possible scam or phoned the company to find out if I really was a winner, but even in my half-awake teenage mind I knew something seemed off so I just deleted it. I mean why would someone I don’t know give me something free for something I never entered?

I use this only as an example as it is one of the few “competition” messages I have received and dealt with.

There are far more elaborate scams and cons out in the world but always go with your gut: if it doesn’t look right it probably isn’t.

Be a sceptic, be a critic, make sure that you don’t get trapped. If you feel uncomfortable you can verify the information, such as account numbers with banks or companies.

Be aware of the ways in which fraudsters can fool you. The email or paperwork might look legitimate but it could just be a ploy to lure you in.

If you are uneasy, phone an authority. Banks will be able to confirm with you if you need to change anything or transfer money from accounts. Phone your clients and suppliers to double check if there have been changes. Meet in person. Just don’t take things at face value.

It’s easier and takes a couple of minutes of your time and energy just to verify the information rather than spending a lifetime kicking yourself because you accepted it.

Very few things in life are free. Some of the free things are nature, smiles, manners and general niceness. But unless you explicitly remember entering a competition, money is never free and only comes from hard work.