Bruno's Web Tip

Bruno Gideon is a regular columnist for the SCCC website. Bruno will share some of his wisdom with our readers by giving useful tips for everyday life and practical advice for today’s entrepreneurs.

Bruno will also love to hear back from our readers by e-mail.

Do they think we are stupid?

A word to the wise isn't necessary, it is the stupid ones who need all the advice.
--Bill Cosby

I just received an email that says: "You have been selected to assist in a stunning money transaction -- you will get 25% of $17 million! All we need is some information so that we can contact you for the details. Don’t miss this chance of a lifetime."

Really? I don't even know who the sender is and he expects me to give him my banking information? Does he think I am stupid?

Another email is from Elena. "I am a single and good-looking Russian girl, waiting for you, a honest, loving, and caring man. Can't wait to hear from you." But who is Elena? Does she think I am stupid?

"Congratulations, you have won $50,000. We need some information so we can wire the money. The faster you answer our questions below, the faster you will get the money. This is not a scam, you can trust us!" Yeah, sure!

I can't imagine that anyone falls for such obvious scams but these emails keep coming and coming so there must be people out there who -- excuse the expression -- are really stupid. Whatever it is that makes them believe the unbelievable, be it greed, naivety, or even desperation, they are missing a healthy sense of suspicion, which is a necessary quality in today's world.

However, emails are the easy ones to spot but there is more. Think of all the commercials where people are trying to convince us with make-believe facts that have nothing to do with reality. "I lost 20 pounds in 2 weeks…" and then a before and after picture to prove the point. Has the thought ever crossed your mind that these might not be the real people but actors? Looking at them should make you smile and say to yourself: "Not with me - I am not stupid!"

A healthy part of skepticism is all we need; let us not forget that the most important words are the ones between the lines.