What do you wish for the most? And what would you do to get it?

Today we look at wish-fulfillment scams and why so many of them succeed. Scammers know they can use our desires against us, especially when the promise of something we want makes it harder to think objectively.

Puppy scams

“I’ve been searching for a specific breed of dog and finally found an affordable option online! They say I need to pay in full before meeting the puppy, but otherwise he’s available right away. Lots of breeders require deposits, so this should be ok, right?”

Not so fast! Let’s look at the red flags:

1. You can’t see the puppy before sending payment.
2. The puppy is available right away (no waiting list or breeding schedule).
3. You found the pet for cheaper than usual through a less reputable site like Craigslist or a Facebook group.

Some scammers repurpose other people’s photos to trick potential buyers into sending a deposit or even full payment before meeting the pet. And it’s not just for dogs! Make sure you can meet your new best friend before putting money down.

Student loan scams

“I’m drowning in student loan debt and can barely make ends meet. Today I got an email from the Department of Education claiming I’m eligible for a loan forgiveness program, but I have to act quickly and call the number provided.”

Not so fast! Let’s look at the red flags:

1. The message comes from an unofficial email (often a hotmail address).
2. There is pressure to act quickly.
3. They ask for your StudentAid.gov username and password (the Department of Education will not do this).

Some scammers ask for payment upfront for services they will never provide. Others want your login credentials to attempt to steal your identity. Even if the person seems official, be cautious and follow the Federal Trade Commision’s advice for avoiding student loan scams.

Job scams

“I’ve been unemployed for almost a year now, but late last night a recruiter texted me through WhatsApp claiming she had a remote job for me. I filled out the application and got accepted! Now I just need to send a small payment for them to ship me my work computer.”

Not so fast! Let’s look at the red flags:

1. The application process was too easy.
2. The recruiter communicates at odd hours through WhatsApp (not based locally).
3. The company requires payment for your equipment (or they promise to pay for it with a check and ask you to send some of the money back).

You should not have to pay for a work computer, and checks can easily bounce. Be cautious about giving sensitive information (like your SSN or bank account number) to a company that already has red flags in their recruitment process.

Remember…

Anyone can fall for a scam, especially if the scammer is promising something you really want. Slow down, think critically and trust your instincts. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.