There is an adage that goes, “If something is too good to be true, it probably is.” I have been the victim of two separate internet scams this summer. My mom had told me to go onto a website, as they were having a deal on Birkenstocks. You could buy two pairs of Birkenstocks for the price of one. It turned out neither was delivered, but simply a girl’s tanktop from China. Another was a tarot reading and profile summary. The only reason I know this is a scam is my friend received the exact same profile/reading. In both of these instances another individual was the one who told me of the deal, and I followed suit. Everything is easy with Paypal. We swipe often without thinking, and yet sometimes things are too good to be true. Before we know it, we are scammed, and cannot get our money back despite complaints and disputes made.
This blog post is not to complain but to reframe. What can be learned? First, why am I making a purchase? Is it coming from a place of need or greed? I think I am going to land the most amazing deal, only to be cheated. I probably did not need to make the purchase from the start. Second, I am in the process of decluttering. As I do this, why am I adding? Third, perhaps I need to learn patience, desire, versus immediate gratification. Fourth, if I am going to buy anything it’s more beneficial to support in person products from local vendors and services versus internet ads.
Maybe you have been victim to an internet scam, if so how did you handle this? What were your lessons learned? How have you shifted your experience as a customer after this occurrence?
It Only Takes A Smile 