🌐 Community Advisory from Digital Business Nexus

Dear Valued Community,

At Digital Business Nexus, we go beyond empowering businesses with technology; we’re committed to promoting online safety and awareness. Recently, we’ve observed a troubling rise in scams targeting individuals through WhatsApp and Telegram, often exploiting people who are seeking additional income online. These schemes take advantage of trust, using the promise of easy money to deceive and defraud.

How the Scam Works

1. Initial Contact on WhatsApp:
Victims are approached on WhatsApp and asked to “like a page,” “share content,” or “leave a review” for easy cash. The messages seem credible, sometimes even claiming ties to well-known companies.

2. Shift to Telegram for ‘Security’:
After initial engagement, victims are directed to Telegram, under the guise of privacy and security. This tactic is designed to hide the scammers’ identities.

3. The Bait-and-Switch:
Scammers may start with small payments to build trust. Soon, they push for larger “investments” or contributions to “unlock” higher earnings—at which point the funds vanish, and contact is severed.

4. Group Coordination:
These scams are often run by teams, creating an illusion of legitimacy. By engaging in internal transactions, they make the scheme look like a safe, profitable opportunity.

Who Is at Risk?

Those who may be less familiar with online scams or the technical landscape are especially vulnerable. Scammers target individuals looking for side income, particularly in a tough economy. Often, these scams can lead victims to apps or websites that request sensitive personal or banking information.

How to Protect Yourself

• Be Skeptical of Easy Money: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Verify Legitimacy: Research any organization or individual reaching out. Genuine opportunities won’t involve strange transfers or hidden payments.
• Avoid Platform Switching: If you’re asked to move from WhatsApp to Telegram for “security reasons,” be cautious.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Report scams to platforms and local authorities, helping to protect others from similar traps.

A Call to Protect Our Community

As a community, we must stand united against these malicious schemes. Beyond financial loss, scams like these can erode trust and cause lasting harm. Digital Business Nexus encourages everyone to stay informed, vigilant, and supportive to combat this issue together.

Please share this advisory with family, friends, and colleagues to help prevent further incidents. Together, we can protect one another in the digital age.

Stay safe, stay informed,
Digital Business Nexus
https://dbnwebdesign.co.za