When the average person feels threatened or vulnerable, they’ll often try to defend themselves with their wallet. Scammers inside the prepper community know that and will try to take advantage if you’re not careful. So, what are some common scams in survivalist circles?
1. Faulty Survivalist-Branded Gear
Some businesses make products that specifically pander to preppers by calling them survivalist knives or survival kits. While some brands are legitimate, others cut corners and profit by charging high prices despite their questionable quality. For instance, a company selling a survivalist knife might not be better than the ones you can get at local shops. However, you’ll pay much more out of pocket for this tool.
Survivalist food is another product to watch out for considering it might not face the same regulations as what you see in grocery stores. A company may make nutritional claims without third-party verification. If you buy food from online sellers, check the reviews and ask questions if you’re concerned about the nutrition facts.
2. Virtual Kidnapping
Scammers know no bounds and will go to great lengths to make a quick buck — even if it means faking dangerous scenarios. For example, virtual kidnapping has been a deception strategy for a long time and has reappeared in recent years. Law enforcement officials have warned about this scam, especially with the rise of social media.
Virtual kidnapping typically includes a scammer calling you to warn about your family member in danger. They may have a woman or child screaming for help in the background to make you think a legitimate situation is happening. The fraudsters will demand you send them money to free the captured family member and may demand more even if you comply. However, nobody was in danger, and the scammers deceived you.
These fraudsters often track social media, so don’t post any details of your travels until you get home. Don’t provide sensitive information to a stranger on the phone, as this is an easy way for them to commit identity theft. If you think someone is in danger, call the police for help from authorities. Scammers may name someone in your personal life, so call this loved one to see if they’re in danger.
3. Gold and Silver Sellers
Gold and silver are worthy investments because they’re useful in SHTF scenarios. If your nation’s currency collapses, your precious metals could be your only source of money. Plus, they can be decent investment opportunities in the right economic conditions. For instance, gold’s value rose 13% in 2023 and has started 2024 on a modest upward trend.
Unfortunately, scammers may try to deceive you when selling gold and silver. A salesperson may approach you to try to sell precious metals while tapping into your fears of economic uncertainty. While you get value from gold and silver, the metals you buy will likely have marked-up prices. Some may even charge you for storing it away from your home, so be mindful of where you buy from.
If you want to buy precious metals, find reputable sellers who won’t ruin your liquidity. For instance, APMEX and Bullion Exchanges are household names within the gold and silver community. Precious metal stores in your area could be another solid option — just be wary of the sellers who come directly to you.
4. Cybertheft
Cellphones have become essential for fast communication, allowing you to call, text and email your loved ones if emergencies arise. However, modern dependence on technology has opened the door to cybertheft, letting fraudsters deceive you with the touch of a button. Unfortunately, these scams will only worsen this decade. Experts project cybercrime will cost the world about $10.5 trillion by 2025 and $14 trillion by 2028.
Modern cyberthieves use cryptojacking and artificial intelligence (AI) to steal your information, but the classic tactics are still alive and well. For instance, phishing remains a common way to scam people. The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reports phishing cost users about $52 million in 2022. Cybercriminals may send an email pretending to offer you free survivalist gear, but the links contain malware and will infect your device.
Avoiding cybertheft can be challenging nowadays, but being smart with your online presence can go a long way. Employ cybersecurity basics like using strong passwords and multifactor identification to take control of your privacy as much as possible.
Protecting Yourself From Scams
Protecting your family is the priority when hard times hit. However, these vulnerabilities may lead to people trying to take advantage of you and your wallet. Survivalists should be aware of these four scams and take precautions to avoid being a thief’s next victim.
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