Let No One Deceive You


Criminals continue to come up with new schemes to steal money from people. One way is through hacking social media accounts. Before leaving the house this past Wednesday to get my morning coffee, I briefly went on Facebook with my iPhone. I saw this question from a fellow missionary’s page: “My cousin is looking for an old-fashioned name for her baby girl! What is a classic grandma’s name for a shot at $2,500?” 

Although most online giveaways I’ve seen are phishing scams, I decided to participate in case this was legitimate. I typed “Ethel” in the comments section. Moments later, “Sandy” replied, “Inbox me right now for your payment.” My suspicions increased because another woman had posted a claim this wasn’t a scam and included a screenshot of receiving over $2,200. I examined Denise’s Facebook page and noticed questionable posts, including her own giveaway. I waited a few minutes to see what else might happen. 


“Sandy” soon inboxed me asking for my CashApp info. I waited another few minutes before sending this reply: “Why are you offering to send me money when it appears you’ve already done that for someone else?” 


“Sandy” then claimed, “It’s a blessing for new year. You’re qualified for the giveaway.” By this time, over twenty other people had “qualified.” 


Think about this: How many missionaries freely give away money like that, especially to people they don’t know? I’ve never met Sandy personally, nor had other online conversations with her since accepting her friend request in 2017. Therefore, I reported the post to Facebook plus posted warnings about this to my Facebook friends and followers. A few individuals I didn’t know immediately wrote posts offering computer services. I blocked them and then posted a warning to discourage other solicitors.


The Internet is a powerful tool. Unfortunately, it gets abused a lot. Christians must be watchful and not accept everything they see online as gospel. Three of Sandy’s friends had commented her account got hacked, but others posted more women’s names. “Sandy” replied to most of them: “Inbox me for your payment now.” 


The next morning, I noticed that dubious post was no longer on Sandy’s Facebook page. Two days later, more “giveaways” were posted but were soon removed again. This morning, another one got posted. It’s possible the real Sandy isn’t aware of what’s happened with her account. She had regularly posted spiritual stuff on her page, but then stopped at the end of last October.


Remember if something looks too good to be true, it probably is.


“Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” - 1 John 3:7

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