Beware the Charlatans
I recently watched a documentary on Fyre Festival - "the greatest event that never happened". It's a story about a so-called Entrepreneur named Billy McFarland who set out to throw a festival to promote his talent booking company. What ensues is pure chaos. Millions of dollars were raised and burned, hundreds of employees worked 'round the clock (unpaid) and hundreds of attendees were left to fend for themselves in the Bahamas with little to no food or shelter.
How does this happen? How can one phony gain the trust of so many? More importantly how can you avoid this happening to you?
Follow the signs. Charlatans run a great game. Their sole purpose is to separate you from your hard earned cash. They are sociopaths and megalomaniacs. Liars exist in every industry and have always existed in one shape or form taking advantage of others at every turn. They are excellent at earning your trust just long enough to take all they can from you.
I'm not saying that you shouldn't trust people. I am saying that not all people can be trusted and it's your responsibility to know the difference or suffer the consequences. Do your due diligence on people, especially those that you transact with. The internet is a breeding ground for crooks and thieves. Take extra precaution out there.