Keep Moving, Keep Learning
Einstein once said that life is like riding a bicycle: in order to stay upright, one must keep moving forward. I have come to realize that this is true in more ways than one. If I stop learning, stop challenging myself, or stop observing the world around me, then I become vulnerable—not just to stagnation but also to people who seek to take advantage of me.
Scammers usually prey on people who are not paying attention or who are stuck in life. In 2022 alone, Americans lost over $8.8 billion to fraud, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) source.
Scams usually work because they tap into human instincts that are common to all people. These include our innate desire for instant gratification, our tendency to trust others, or our fear of missing out. I have come to realize that one of the best ways to protect myself is to stay curious, stay alert, and stay in the mode of learning.
Even something as mundane as reading the news about things that do not usually concern me helps me realize when people are trying to manipulate me. Knowledge is power.
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Imagination and Critical Thinking
However, it is not just facts that can keep you safe. Imagination, which is the ability to see possibilities and outcomes, and to be creative, is a very important tool. For instance, if I start getting emails claiming I won a prize, or that someone has compromised my email account, I not only check if it is grammatically incorrect, but I also use my imagination and ask, “How would they contact me if it were true?” and “Does it make sense?” Most scams fall apart if you use your imagination and critical thinking.
Scientists who studied phishing scams have found that critical thinking can significantly decrease the chances of falling prey to online scams.
Mistakes Are Teachers
One thing I have had to learn the hard way is that mistakes are not the end of the world. I have been scammed once or twice. But who hasn’t? What I now know is that those experienced taught me more than any book ever could.
