Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8 AMP

“I was praying and believing God for financial breakthroughs to pay some bills and meet some needs. I had prayed and was seriously believing God. A few days later my phone rang, I received a call and this was the discussion that ensued between the caller and me; “been trying to reach you, how is xyz, did you make it to so and so, I did not see you at such and such, well a friend of mine’s company are putting up an end of year party and I said you’re the right person for the job, he was at the so and so event you planned and he was impressed. I have given him your number. He will call you.” Wow!!! I said to myself, “God you’re a faithful God, you’re a prayer answering God.” Little did I know it was all a set up to be 419-ed.”

The above story happened to my wife’s friend. We’re in a season where people’s level of desperation have skyrocketed and they know people in legitimate businesses are trying to make some extra cash for themselves. So they are out to scam you of your money. It’s time to “be sober and be vigilant”. The devil will always tempt you in the area of your legitimate needs and desires. He will come as a familiar friend to disarm you. He will set up using Christianise expressions and appealing to the greed in you by bringing mouthwatering offers. When you are settled, disarmed and carried away by thoughts of making mega bucks, then they will begin to demand that you pay a certain amount to purchase a chemical or get something done or try to railroad you into some easy money making scheme, a business deal or other activities that will demand money from you usually small amounts compared to what you stand to gain. It’s a bait. Don’t take it. 

HOW NOT TO BE A VICTIM

• Don’t be carried away by unknown persons sounding familiar, or someone who claims they got your number from someone you can’t remember.
• If you have to be the one calling them back because their credit gets finished, then they most definitely don’t have anything to offer.
• Kill greed and avoid quick money schemes, or else you will be scammed (419-ed).
• Don’t be in a hurry to jump at every juicy and mouthwatering offer. Always be sensitive and alert in the spirit. Take out time to pray about whatever comes your way.
• “Act now or miss out” is a danger sign. Don’t succumb to subtle pressure.
• Because they will come in different ways therefore pray that God will deliver you from wicked and unreasonable men.
• Above all allow the peace of God to lead you. Learn to look inward for the Spirit’s prompting. No matter how genuine an offer looks, how familiar a person sounds, let the inward witness be your decider and you will never be a victim of unscrupulous men and women.