With fraudulent online investment schemes becoming increasingly sophisticated, a cybersecurity expert is urging the public to slow down and think before committing their funds.
Rather than relying on instinct or being swayed by promises of quick and huge returns, Cybersecurity Expert Abdul-Mumin Iddrisu says a simple five-step framework he has coined as P.A.U.S.E. can help consumers avoid falling victim to online investment fraud.
Speaking on The High Street Talk, an X Space organised by The High Street Journal on the theme “Unpacking Illegal Online Investment Schemes: Risks, Red Flags, and Consumer Protection”, Abdul-Mumin Iddrisu said the framework encourages people to verify investment opportunities before committing their hard-earned money.
P – Pause
The first and most important step is to pause. According to Abdul-Mumin Iddrisu, fraudsters often create pressure to make victims act immediately.
He said, instead of rushing to invest, people should deliberately slow down and resist making decisions under pressure. He believes that a few minutes of patience could save you from losing your savings.
A – Ask Questions
Next, after taking your time, is to ask the difficult questions: How does the investment generate returns? What business model supports the promised profits? What risks are involved?
He said any legitimate investment should be able to explain clearly how it makes money and the risks investors are taking. If those answers are vague or avoided, it should raise concerns.
U – Understand the Risks
Every genuine investment carries some level of risk. The cybersecurity expert warned that anyone promising high returns without explaining the associated risks is likely selling an illusion rather than a legitimate investment opportunity.
Investors should always understand exactly what they stand to lose before committing their funds.
S – Search and Verify
Before investing, conduct independent checks. Abdul-Mumin Iddrisu advised the public to verify whether the company is properly licensed, registered, and subject to regulatory oversight.
He also encouraged prospective investors to read independent reviews and research the business through credible sources rather than relying solely on information provided by the platform itself. Due diligence, he said, is one of the strongest defences against fraud.
E – Evaluate Before Sending Money
The final step is to carefully evaluate everything before transferring any funds. Rather than being driven by excitement or fear of missing out, the cybersecurity expert urged consumers to objectively assess the opportunity and ensure all their questions have been answered.
If anything appears suspicious, he advised, it is better to walk away than to risk becoming another victim of online investment fraud.
The Bottomline
As online investment scams continue to target unsuspecting consumers, Abdul-Mumin Iddrisu believes the P.A.U.S.E. framework offers a practical checklist anyone can remember.
He believes that before sending money to any online investment platform, pause, ask questions, understand the risks, search and verify, and evaluate carefully. That simple habit, he said, could make the difference between protecting your savings and losing them to fraud.
