We certainly see the most ingenious ways in which conmen spin their spiel and plan their moves. This is a relatively smaller amount; consider people who have been duped in crores or of their life earnings.

When people are told they will get roles in Bollywood, they should think how they will get it. Why should we be asked for money to get a break in a movie? Who are these connections that the fraud seems to dangle like a bait? Is there a way to check those claims? In today's age of Internet, it is certainly possible to do background checks.

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Take these 'agents' who promise admissions to top schools with a healthy dose of cynicism. Check with the school authorities themselves. It takes a phone call or two. Top schools will certainly not allow outsiders to help students get admissions and issue fee 'receipts' from the outside. While conmen will always look for their prey, a little patience, background checks and homework will guard against getting duped. And that goes for all scams, big or small.

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