Question from [name withheld by request]: After reading your Blog about Facebook and all the scams and hackers you make me want to NOT like anything.
How do I know now what is to be trusted and what is a hack, scam, virus, computer killer, bank account wiper outer…
Heck dude you got me paranoid just even being on the danged computer now…thank you, but not really!!!
Why should I trust YOU?
Rick’s answer: That’s a fair question, and the answer is you shouldn’t. At least not before checking me and the things I have posted in the past out very thoroughly.
Everything you see and read on the Internet should be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism, and that includes the things I write.
Let me say that once again because it’s very important: It’s wise to always question the things you see and hear on the Internet. And yes, that certainly includes the things I write on my blogs and post on social media.
That being said, the vast majority of Internet hoaxes and scams are so blatantly obvious that simply reading them and analyzing what you just read will confirm that it’s indeed a scam or hoax.
My goal in publishing these warnings is not to prevent folks from using and enjoying the Internet. Far from it.
My goal is to help everyone enjoy all the good things the Internet has to offer without falling victim to a hoax that can cause worry and frustration for their friends, or even worse a dangerous scam that could potentially ruin their day (and in some cases, their life).
The best course of action is to seek out reputable sources that you can trust to give you the info you need in order to stay safe while you’re enjoying all the great things social media and the Internet in general have to offer.
I try my best to present the best and most accurate information possible via my blogs and social media accounts. However, I’m only human and I’m sure I fall short at times.
When that happens I welcome constructive feedback because it lets me know there’s a problem and it gives me an opportunity to correct it.
Thanks for the question. I completely understand why you asked it and I appreciate the opportunity to answer it in the best way I know how.
Update from [name withheld by request]: I get it, and have seen exactly what you are talking about.
I do, especially now, check things out and do a little research before going crazy.
But I am sure I have fallen prey to the unsavory characters on the internet as some have. I am basically a cautious person. Thanks for the feedback and the information you put out there.
And I must say I’m sorry for the harsh tone I used when I asked my question. I really didn’t mean for it to sound as harsh as it does after re-reading what I wrote.