The Illusion of Reality: A Lesson Learned and Relearned - 2025-02-27

Back in my diploma days, diving into the world of virtual reality was a mind-bending experience. It wasn't just about cool graphics; it was a profound lesson: "Don't trust what you see and hear – it can be fake." This was a stark reminder, a seed planted in my mind.

Fast forward nearly three decades, and that seed has sprouted into a towering tree of caution. With the rise of AI, the lines between reality and fabrication have blurred to an alarming degree. My own voice, my own persona, could be replicated and weaponized.

This became terrifyingly real when a friend of mine almost fell victim to a sophisticated scam. A voice, eerily similar to mine, contacted him. The conversation seemed casual, friendly, until the inevitable pitch: an "exclusive" investment opportunity. Thankfully, my friend's intuition kicked in. He knew I'd never push investments like that.

This incident solidified my personal rule: any request for money via WhatsApp or SMS triggers an immediate phone call to verify. I never, ever transfer funds to bank details provided in those messages. They're often a trap.

The barrage of scams is relentless. Phony emails, deceptive messages, and calls claiming to be from government officials – they're all part of the daily grind. I've learned to hang up on anyone trying to intimidate or "bluff" me. Even seemingly legitimate messages can be dangerous. Recently, I received an SMS about a postage shortage for a Christmas Amazon purchase. It looked convincing, but a quick check of the URL revealed a malicious link designed to steal my money.

Then there was my colleague's experience. He received an urgent email claiming his friend was stranded overseas, having lost his phone and money. My colleague, a savvy individual, decided to test the caller. He mentioned a random, fabricated event. The "friend" couldn't keep up, revealing the ruse. The account had been hacked.

Even those close to us can be targets. My brother shared a story about his friend, who received a call from someone mimicking his staff, requesting a loan, which eventually caused him to lose S$5k.

These experiences have taught me a vital lesson: vigilance is our best defense. In a world where technology can create convincing illusions, we must be skeptical, verify information, and trust our instincts. Don't let the illusion become your reality. Stay alert, and stay safe.

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