Most of us are familiar with random friend requests on Facebook. Often, these are scammers.

But scammers have also permeated LinkedIn. This is my tale.

It started like any typical work day at the office. I suddenly received a ping. It was a request to connect from a Kelly Chen (“KC”) via LinkedIn. I perused KC’s profile and was skeptical as she claimed to be working in 2 major international organisations simultaneously. I was on high alert at this juncture.

This also came after I finished listening to the Economist’s special series podcast titled “Scam Inc” comprising 8 episodes (I strongly recommend everyone to listen to it).

p.s. I have since emailed the said organisations to alert them of this fake person.

The moment I accepted the request, KC immediately sent me an innocuous question about my wellbeing. I replied saying I am good. But I felt it wasn’t sufficient. I needed to play and channel a gullible person. So I asked KC where she was based and her thoughts about me moving to Hong Kong (KC even gave a thumbs up):-

KC gave me a good impression about Hong Kong but I was gutted that she didn’t expand further about the “challenges to consider”. And I needed to add KC via WhatsApp in order for her to “teach” me about Hong Kong. Well at least KC gave me 2 smiley face emoticons.

I explained to KC that I was not comfortable to share my personal number as I am an introvert. But not wanting to kill the conversation, I pulled a Hollywood trope where the protagonist throws all caution in the wind to fly to a different country to meet a person he only connected online for 10 minutes:-

But alas there was setback!!! But then, it would not be a good Hollywood tale if there were no setbacks. The evil assistant (let’s call him…urm…Xander) was the barrier. How dare Xander be that barrier for me to meet KC. Why was Xander managing KC’s LinkedIn account? Is Xander more than just an assistant? Why was KC quitting LinkedIn? All these questions were running in my mind.

Silver lining was that at least KC understood my introversion.

Wanting and willing to show KC that I am better than Xander and before KC gave full control to Xander, I needed to show proactiveness:-

I gave KC a specific date about landing in Hong Kong and conveyed my enthusiasm. I could have just said that I am excited. But no, I wanted to convey more. So I said “I am so so so excited”. That’s triple the excitement. So enthusiastic I am that I even wanted to know the attire to be as infused into Hong Kong as quickly as possible.

As a demonstration of my commitment to be in Hong Kong permanently, I asked who I should send my CV to.

There was no reply. I was gutted. Surely Xander can’t hold more sway? Determined not to be defeated by Xander, I asked KC about adopting dogs. Not 1 but TEN!!!. Not only that, I even suggested creating a messaging system for stray dogs. Granted, I acknowledged the problems but it is not insurmountable. I am particularly proud that I came up with the phrase “paw your message”:-

I even gave an alternative business venture, dim sum (since it’s Hong Kong) for doggos:-

Alas, to no avail. Awesome business ideas which were not looked at. Leading me to the conclusion that either KC hates doggos (to which I wish that KC gets constant poop and pee) or Xander has now taken full control. Damn you Xander!!!

I hope the above captured your attention and it was a fun read.

All jokes aside, the sad reality is that there are those who through no fault of their own have gotten caught in such web of deceit, lies and manipulation by these scammers. I do not profess to be immune. Anyone of us, if these scammers catch us at our most vulnerable, are potential victims.

Following from my interaction with KC, I recently tried accessing the account but it has since been deleted. All messages have also been wiped out. Usually when an account is deleted it usually means that a victim has been found. I am sorry to that person or persons.

So here are some red flags and/or realisations to be aware in order to reduce the possibility of being scammed:-

1. Always trust your gut feel. If it feels suspicious, it is almost always a dodgy situation.

2. If it’s too good to be true, it is indeed too good to be true.

3. There are no exceptions to red flag number 2 above. Even if you think you are an exception, you are not.

4. Scammers will attempt to be your confidant, friend, potential lover (take your pick) in order to gain your trust and after that manipulate and take all that you have. Be weary of those who are very quick to want to be in your life.

5. Never ever give up personal information. If you feel that you want to, give wrong information. For example, if you are asked for your NRIC number, give some wrong numbers.

6. If for some unfortunate reasons you are scammed, reach out to relatives, friends and/or authorities. There is NOTHING to be ashamed. The only reason you feel ashamed is because the scammers have conditioned you to feel that way. It is NOT your fault.

I hope this helps.