Page 295 - Deception at work all chapters EBook

348 An HR Guide to Workplace Fraud and Criminal Behaviour

ANOTHER 419 SCAM another fraudster who wanted to meet
him in Amsterdam to dress in an all-yellow
A great example of the Nigerian 419 scam outfit and hop on one leg down the main
is given (www.scamorama.com) where thoroughfare so that he would be able to
x convinced the fraudsters that he had recognize him. X did not get the money, but
murdered his wife (attaching a photograph he had great fun.
of her ‘dead’ in the bath) and needed
money from them to escape. He also got

Remember, everything is easier to get into than out of, and attaining your objectives in the
face of achievement lies is all about timing.

In most cases, your fervour, gullibility and the fervour of the conman are related.
In the early stages of the scam, he is the most eager; then you get bitten and become more
committed than him. If you are not careful, your eyes are closed to reality and all you can
see are the benefits. Then, when reality strikes, your enthusiasm hits rock bottom. There are
two rules you most follow. The first is to make sure that on the upward curve, you ask detailed
questions about everything, keep an open mind and control your enthusiasm.

If something does not look right, politely question it

The second rule is that once you have made your decision or parted with your money, you
are vulnerable and it is imperative that you take your time and plan an ambush. If, at that
point, you act in haste, or let the conman know you have suspicions, he will just walk away
and you will lose everything.

Timing is critical

METHOD BEFORE THE EVENT

Principles

The majority of conmen can be detected or deterred before the event, providing you take a
few elementary steps.

Remain alert

You must remain alert to the circumstances in which you might be deceived and, as usual,
elevate your suspicions to a conscious level. Once you have done this, and suspect the conman
without his knowing that you have questions about his integrity, you have the advantage and
can ambush him in the ways discussed later. However, if you are careless and let the conman
know you suspect him, he is likely to fight or flee before you are ready to act. If you are not
sure whether you are being told lies or not, get some of your female colleagues, or your wife or
mother-in-law, involved. ‘Women’s intuition’ is a fantastic tool (see page [xref]).

Get females involved and follow their advice

Assessment of risk and reward

Remember, risks and rewards are symbiotic and if you cannot afford the pain of the potential
loss, don’t chase after the gain. Further, if the suspected conman lies to you at any point about