Scam Alert: Beware of Online Scammers Impersonating Oil Rig Workers

This week, we’ve seen another unfortunate example of online scammer tactics, this time under the guise of being an oil rig worker in Syria. If anyone is asking you for money online, it’s a sure sign of a scam. The likelihood of these individuals being real oil rig workers is extremely low, hovering around 99.9%. This article will break down the red flags to watch for and why you should never send any money to someone you meet online.

Red Flags to Watch For

Most online interactions with people claiming to be oil rig workers are scams. There are several red flags to look out for:

Names with two first names (e.g., David Andre Osteen) Requests for money or gift cards Claims of needing payment to leave the rig Extended periods on the rig (beyond a couple of weeks) Mentions of equipment issues, which can be a common ploy

What to Look For in Specific Scenarios

When evaluating the authenticity of someone claiming to be an oil rig worker, consider the following:

Name Structure: Nigerian scammers often use two first names. In this case, both "David" and "Andre" could be first names, not family names. Account Activity: Check if the person has requested money or indicated that their bank account is blocked. Location and Communication Methods: Real oil rig workers do not often use social media to communicate with potential partners. Additionally, they work long shifts and do not have the time to be texting all day. Video chats are common on oil rigs due to their facilities that include excellent Wi-Fi. Work Schedule: Oil rig workers typically work a maximum of 4 weeks before being flown by helicopter to the nearest city, where they can take a 4-week paid vacation. If someone claims to have been on the rig for months, it’s almost certainly a scam. Financial Claims: If they ask for money for any reason, it is a scam. Oil rig workers are typically well-paid, often earning over $100,000 per year and often operating tax-free in their locations.

Why You Should Never Send Money

No matter how convincing their story, it’s crucial to never send money to someone you’ve met online, especially if they are claiming to be an oil rig worker:

In any scenario, you should always consider that the person might be a scammer. Oil rig workers do not need additional money from individuals. All their expenses and food are covered, and their transport to and from the rig is free. Most of the time, these individuals are in multiple scams and have various fake profiles to keep the money flowing.

Conclusion and Final Advice

The fear of missing out (FOMO) or the desire to help someone in need can make it tempting to send money or gift cards to scammers. However, it’s crucial to be vigilant and skeptical of such requests.

Always:

Verify the person's identity and background. Avoid sending any form of payment, financial or otherwise. Use common sense and trust your instincts.

If you suspect someone is a scammer, report them to the appropriate authorities or online forums where these scams are discussed and warned against.

Stay safe and avoid becoming a victim of online scams.