Some one came up to me today, while I was filling up the gas tank, and said " Nak cepat kaya tak?" and continued to ramble about multi level marketing, how to rise up the pyramid by getting more customers, and showed me a shoddy photocopied newsletter with articles of the people who have 'succeeded' in becoming an instant millionaire.
"Bollocks" I said in my heart and politely told that person that I don't believe that there is a short cut to become a millionaire. The only honest way one can earn that much money, is to work hard for it.
There was also a time when someone came up to me and offered me a "Scratch and Win" ticket. I firmly said NO, but that person insisted that this is my lucky day, yeah whatever, and scratched that ticket on my behalf (boleh tak?? Unbelievable!). After doing so, that person jumped up and down with excitement, also, on my behalf, saying that I've won the main prize, a V6 Perdana. With all the dramatised excitement the representative showed me a laminated sheet that shows a newspaper cuttings of previous winners with all their smiley faces on it. Then the rep also pulled out a catalogue that shows rules and regulations of the contest. Apparently, I had to buy at least RM8000 worth of electrical goods from their shop in order for me to get my Perdana. Just great... After much effort, giving a thousand and one excuses, I managed to excuse myself and said goodbye to my Perdana.
We've read so many reports from newspapers, stories from friend of a friend, and cofessions of victims of the many 'get rich quick' scams. But still... a lot of people persist on believing that this might be their 'big break' and took the chance... of burying themselves in debt. Ignorants.
Taken from
NST, Thursday 25th January, 2007:
Job seekers lose thousands of ringgit in elaborate scam * THE HOOK: Advertisements offering up to RM2,700 for an administrative executive and RM1,600 for an administrative assistant with a company dealing in e-commerce. * THE LINE: Job offer with a five-day training in forex trading. Those hired are told that the salary is performance-based — RM1,300 basic plus RM100 per transaction, adding up to RM5,000 a month. For this, the person has to deposit RM80,000 in an account for forex trading. Account shows profit in first two weeks but employee is told not to withdraw the money. * THE SINKER: Two weeks later, the account is frozen. Employee is told the initial equity is not sufficient and more money needs to be deposited. Meanwhile, hefty amounts are deducted from the account as interest payments. Account is frozen again and more money demanded. Interest deductions continue and soon there is nothing left...
I learnt that out of desperation, people are willing to do anything. And out of this I can see that people are desperately trying to improve their way of living given the facts that the cost of living has increased tremendously in the past few years. Aside from their main job, I know some people are forced to find side incomes to make ends meet. So when 'opportunities' like making ease money comes, they wouldn't think twice about it because they are tired of working double shifts and making extra time for an honest side income.
I do pity the victims losing all their life savings, but I blame their naiveness and ignorance that made them believe these offers are true and worth it. I am also furious at the people who directly behind these bogus work. You guys have no shame, taking other people's money by tricking them. I hope you burn in deepest end of hell.
So for all of you out there, don't be tricked easily when someone comes and offers you "Secrets to become a millionaire" or "Scratch and Win" ticket. If you want to invest, do it wisely, and invest in well known banks or reputable organisations.
Jangan tertipu.
Laksa.
