The festive season brings celebrations, shopping specials, travel plans and new connections. But while we make memories, scammers look for opportunities.
Not every friendly message comes from a friend. Not every bargain is genuine. And not every urgent notification deserves your attention.
As Proverbs 14:15 reminds us, “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going” (KJV).
Being cautious isn’t being fearful. It’s being wise.
“Not every friendly message comes from a friend, and not every open door online is an opportunity worth entering. Wisdom knows when to pause.”
Catfishing: When Love Comes with a Hidden Agenda
That charming stranger in your inbox might not be who they say they are.
Catfishing happens when someone creates a fake online identity to gain your trust, often for money, personal information or emotional manipulation.
Watch for warning signs: declarations of love within days, excuses to avoid video calls, dramatic emergencies and sudden requests for financial help.
Before trusting someone online, verify their identity. Reverse-search their photographs, question inconsistencies, and never send money to someone you’ve only met online.
A genuine relationship won’t require you to sacrifice your safety to prove your love.
Identity Fraud: Your Personal Information Is Valuable
Your identity is more than a name. Your ID number, passwords, banking details and personal information can become powerful tools in a scammer’s hands.
Be careful what you share online, even in seemingly harmless competitions, quizzes, and giveaways.
Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. Never share your banking PIN or one-time password (OTP), regardless of who asks.
Proverbs 22:3 teaches that a prudent person recognises danger and takes precautions.
Protecting your personal information is one practical way to exercise that wisdom.
Phishing: Don’t Let One Click Become a Nightmare
“Your parcel cannot be delivered!”
“Your bank account has been suspended!”
“Congratulations! You’ve won!”
Sound familiar?
Phishing messages use urgency, excitement or fear to persuade you to click suspicious links.
Before clicking, examine the sender and website address. Better still, open your bank’s official app or type the company’s website address directly into your browser.
Remember: urgency is often a scammer’s greatest weapon.
A Little Wisdom Goes a Long Way
This silly season, make these habits part of your daily routine:
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Pause before clicking unfamiliar links.
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Verify identities and unexpected requests.
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Keep passwords, OTPs and banking details private.
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Never send money under emotional pressure.
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Speak to someone you trust when something feels suspicious.
Celebrate Freely, but Stay Alert
God calls us to walk in wisdom, not fear.
We can enjoy the festive season, embrace new friendships and celebrate generously without abandoning discernment.
As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 10:16, be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (KJV).
Enjoy the celebrations. Protect your peace. And remember: not every open door online is an opportunity worth entering.
Written by Kabelo Milton.
The views expressed herein are those of the writer and not I Am Youth.
If you need to talk to someone, reach out to our 24-hour free Youth counselling service on 076 037 6345 (WhatsApp, SMS, or Call).
