But... 103: 1- 11

"But he has sooo many followers!"

Explanation

A high follower count doesn't necessarily make a profile legitimate. Scammers often purchase bot followers to appear more credible. Always scrutinize the quality and authenticity of followers, not just the quantity.

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"But they messaged me first, so they must be interested in me!”

Explanation

Scammers frequently use automated scripts to send out mass messages to potential victims. 

Any message from an unfamiliar account should be met with caution, especially if it immediately asks for personal information or financial support.

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"But the profile is years old!"

Explanation

Don't let the cobwebs fool you. An old account might seem more trustworthy, but scammers are long-game players too. 

They can hijack or buy old accounts to appear legit. Some even age accounts like fine wine, only to uncork them years down the line.

Always be sceptical and scrutinize beyond the account's 'birthdate'.

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"But the pictures look so real!"

Explanation

Scammers often steal photos from other profiles or use advanced editing tools to create believable pictures. 

The more "real" they look, the easier it is to pull off the scam. 

Always do a reverse image search to verify the authenticity of the photos.

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"But we have mutual friends!"

Explanation

Mutual friends can give an illusion of credibility, but it's not a guarantee. 

Scammers sometimes friend a wide network of people to create a veneer of legitimacy. 

Your mutual friend might also be duped or unaware.

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"But their name is Ukrainian!"

Explanation

Scammers can easily copy and paste names in different alphabets to appear legitimate.

Simply having a name in Ukrainian is not a guarantee of authenticity.

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"But they posted lots of content!"

Explanation

A busy timeline isn't always a sign of legitimacy.

Scammers can post filler content, share popular memes, or even automate posting to make the account look active and real. 

Quality and source of content matter, not just volume.

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"But they interact with their followers!"

Explanation

Interactions can be staged. 

Scammers often use other fake accounts to interact with their main one to make it look credible. 

Authentic interactions are consistent and come from genuine accounts, so scrutinize carefully.

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"But the PayPal link is real!"

Explanation

Scammers sometimes clone entire web pages or social media profiles, including correct PayPal or donation links. 

However, they may privately send you a different, fraudulent link for payment. 

Always double-check the links.

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"But he loves me... he confessed!"

Explanation

Some scammers play on emotions by admitting they initially started scamming due to desperate circumstances but have now fallen for you. 

This is usually a manipulation tactic to gain your trust and exploit you further.

They had to stop because they love you but still need money to support their 24 siblings and their sick mother...

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"But he needed a bank account!"

Explanation

NEVER open a bank account for someone else, no matter how credible they appear. 

Even if they present an ID, it could be fake or stolen. 

You could become an unwitting accomplice in money laundering or other illegal activities.

If this happened to you, call your bank immediately and tell them what happened. Immediately!

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