I recently came across a victim’s story, in how she was scammed online and ultimately lost all her cryptocurrency. In reading the story, and extrapolating from my four decades of working against criminals, I wanted to pass on some digital security tips so others can avoid similar traps:

1. Telegram is not trustworthy place to meet new people. Telegram and other social sites are overflowing with scam artists. Never believe any message from unknown persons on Telegram, X/Twitter, Facebook, Discord, email, or SMS text messages. These and other similar channels are the avenues scammers reach victims. So, by default don’t believe them. If they say they are from an organization, have them send you an email message from that domain or call that entity and ask for them. Still not sure, then reach out to their profile on LinkedIn and ask to confirm they reached out to you. (Note: also make sure their LinkedIn profile looks legit)

2. The fact an unknown subjects may know a lot about you or your organization is NOT proof of their legitimacy. It just means they can use the Internet. AI empowered scammers are beginning to do this automatically, with some success. They will get better.

3. Meet people in person (if it is safe) or via video meeting. If their camera is not working or they give some other excuse, be HIGHLY suspicious — give no sensitive information and do not follow any instruction. It is best to simply ask them to…