Manti Te'o: 5 Tips To Avoid Being Deceived
1107
post-template-default,single,single-post,postid-1107,single-format-standard,bridge-core-3.0.1,do-etfw,qodef-qi--no-touch,qi-addons-for-elementor-1.5.2,qode-page-transition-enabled,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode-theme-ver-30.4,qode-theme-bridge,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-6.8.0,vc_responsive,elementor-default,elementor-kit-16987
 

Manti Te’o: 5 Tips To Avoid Being Deceived

Manti Te’o: 5 Tips To Avoid Being Deceived

Fooling the expertsIt’s been a few weeks since the big hoax was revealed: Manti Te’o’s girlfriend — the one who died within hours of his grandmother’s death, one who Te’o spoke of repeatedly, the one whose story became part of his Heisman campaign–never existed. This successful young college football player was apparently completely deceived over a significant period of time. We think: “That could never happened to me.” But the truth is, we are all susceptible to being duped. From the most intelligent to the least, we see examples of this in practical, emotional, and spiritual ways. There was a time when no one believed in germs and people laughed when someone suggested that the earth was round. Very intelligent, successful people have been tricked out of thousands of dollars by successful deceivers. So how can we prevent being victims in matters of money, relationships, beliefs, and more?

Manti Te’o: Let His Mistake Propel You to Use 5 Tips …

1. Pay attention to that little inner voice telling you something is wrong. Many people who are tricked say that, at first, they had doubts they didn’t listen to. There was an inner uneasiness, a feeling that something wasn’t quite right. When you feel bad about a person, situation, idea, or event — don’t ignore it. Investigate it further with your logical mind, and…

2. Get by “with a little help from your friends.” When you’re not sure of something, ask trusted people their opinions. Don’t simply ask people who will agree with you. One time, I came close to signing a book contract with an agent that seemed sketchy. I e-mailed a well-known, trustworthy, editor, whom I didn’t even know. She kindly replied with her inside knowledge about this person, discouraging me to sign with him. I’m so glad I listened to my inner voice and ask for help! “Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 11:14)

3. The Internet: be on your guard! Many modern-day scams are perpetrated through the Internet. People buy items that they later find out don’t exist. People enter relationships with people who are actually very different than what they seem. People give money to seemingly trustworthy causes, only to find out they were duped. Check things out thoroughly.

4. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Enough said.

5. Don’t be overly confident, saying, “It couldn’t happen to me.” Deception happens to intelligent, competent people. Use points 1 and 2 above when in doubt. Also utilize trustworthy resources, from the Better Business Bureau to the Bible. Find experts in the field of your questioning and utilize their wisdom.

Manti Te’o: How Good Can Come from Bad

One way Manti’s difficulty can result in good is if others learn from his mistake. Failure is an opportunity to do something different the next time, for him as well as us. And don’t be self-deceived…deception can happen to even you. “Be wise as serpents, innocent as doves.” What tips have you learned to avoid being deceived?