Last week was a lot—and I had to take a step back from sharing. But I’m back now, and this week’s S.C.A.M extract hits a topic that many entrepreneurs and go-getters don’t talk about enough: being targeted because of your success.
“Some scams are targeted at individuals who run successful businesses on the assumption that they have high income or access to investment capital.”
This one right here? It’s personal.
As a society, we’ve made "success" look like a bright spotlight. But what many don’t realize is that spotlights attract attention—both good and dangerous. When you start making progress, growing a brand, or even just posting consistently online, some people automatically assume you’re loaded. They see visibility and immediately associate it with vulnerability.
That’s where a new type of scam comes in: targeted scams.
These are scams that come disguised as partnerships, grants, investment opportunities, or sudden “business expansions.” They are crafted to look credible, professional, and appealing, especially to people who appear to be upwardly mobile. And unfortunately, the more serious you are about growth, the more likely it is that scammers will try to intercept your journey.
They prey on your ambition.
They use urgency to override your discernment.
They manipulate your hunger to scale faster.
This happens because success, especially in its early stages, often comes with increased exposure but not necessarily increased wisdom or financial literacy.
In S.C.A.M, I wrote about this not just as a warning, but as a call for intentional awareness. Because while some scams are obvious, others are wrapped in sophistication. They speak the language of business. They flatter your progress. They come with convincing proposals. And if you’re not careful, they’ll not only take your money, they’ll slow your momentum.
So what can you do?
Verify everything.
Don’t let excitement override research. Ask questions. Demand clarity. If something seems too good to be true, give it a second (and third) look.
Build in silence.
You don’t have to post every move. The less noise around your financial wins, the fewer traps you attract.
Don’t assume all exposure is good exposure.
Be visible with purpose. Protect your process. Not every inbox, DM, or proposal deserves your attention.
Surround yourself with discerning voices.
Sometimes, the warning you miss can be caught by a friend or mentor who has been there before.
Remember this: scammers don’t only prey on the desperate, they also target the ambitious. Because ambition can be just as vulnerable when it’s not guarded with wisdom.
If you’re building something valuable right now, protect it.
If you’re becoming more visible, be more intentional.
If you're gaining influence, double your discernment.
Success shouldn't make you a target. It should make you wiser.
This extract is just one of the many realities S.C.A.M uncovers truths that too many learn the hard way. But you don’t have to.
Grab your copy today and stay one step ahead:
👉 https://selar.com/4rrm
We’re not just building businesses. We’re building resilience, wisdom, and a generation that moves with both passion and protection.
