I got scammed this week. And I'm sharing it because I don't want it to happen to you.

I bought a course — a good one, no complaints about the course itself. The scam happened after the purchase.

I was tired when I paid and entered the wrong email address. So no confirmation email came. I asked in the course chat why I didn't have access yet. The creator replied quickly — check spam, check promo. Fine.

But then someone impersonating her DMed me.

🚩 Red flag #1: They sent me my own profile picture. Only bots do that.
🚩 Red flag #2: They asked for my payment receipt. I sent it — because I thought it was legit.
🚩 Red flag #3: They said my transaction "didn't specify the purpose," so I needed to request a refund myself and pay again. Who does that?!
🚩 Red flag #4: The link wasn't a bank link. I clicked it anyway.

Within minutes, three transactions went through — around 7,000 rubles total, all flagged as purchases in Vietnam. The bank blocked two more. Then someone called me pretending to be the bank, saying transactions of 200,000 and 500,000 rubles were being processed.

I had a full panic attack. I was shaking. I couldn't trust my own phone.

In the end: 3 transactions went through, we reported it to the police, and the bank says it'll take up to 2 weeks to maybe refund me.

What I learned the hard way:
🔒 Never click links — even if they seem to come from someone you trust. Verify through the official app.
🔒 Don't buy anything when you're tired or distracted.
🔒 No legitimate seller will ever ask you to "request a refund and pay again."
🔒 Your gut noticing something is weird = stop. Immediately.

Be careful with your money. Be vigilant. And yes — do professional development. Just not when you're exhausted.

Stay safe out there. 💙