ThinkCritical.eu · Manipulation atlas
Scams and data theftToo good to be true
Unrealistic earnings, returns, prizes or discounts – bait meant to switch off your caution.
Big gains are tempting and switch off caution – that’s why scam offers promise more than any honest bank, job or shop can give. The bigger the promise, the more carefully you should check.
Social media ad: “Earn up to €120 a day with no experience! Just like posts and write reviews.”
How to spot it
- A guaranteed return (say 8% or 30% a month) and “no risk”.
- A discount of around 80% on goods that cost much more elsewhere.
- Money for no work or experience, or a “refund” you never asked for.
- The offer comes with pressure to decide quickly.
How to check and what to do
- Compare the promise with the interest on a savings account at your bank – the gap gives the nonsense away.
- Look up the investment firm or broker in your financial regulator’s register.
- For an online shop, find out who runs it (company details and address) and look for reviews outside its own website.
- Before you pay anything, show the offer to someone you trust.
Tip: No one can guarantee returns on an investment – the word “guaranteed” is a warning.
Full explanation and exercises:
thinkcritical.eu/en/manipulation-atlas/too-good