SUCCESS KEY #10

Fraudulent behaviors have so many implications both in business and in career. Your greatest asset to greatness and enduring prosperity is your integrity, it might look like just another nine-letter word, but your whole life might one day depend on it. Much of what many people consider as cleverness is purely the wisdom of the world and is utter foolishness at the end.

So many trusts you not because they cannot afford not to distrust you, they only give you a chance hoping you will make the best use of it, but many times what they get is disappointment and sadness for the turn of event. One thing that I have discovered in life, and I so much believe in is that not everybody was created to help you or patronize you in life, there are people who will never help you even if you are Jesus Christ or patronize you even if you are selling long life and prosperity. God appoints certain helps for certain people, and what you do with those helps will determine how far you can go in life and destiny.

I want you to know that the people that help you or give you an opportunity in life today may be the only ones that are there for you again tomorrow. Sometimes you can commit a crime in one city and run to another thinking you are smart by so doing, but you will be so shocked that when you come in need of help, the very help you defrauded in the other city maybe the one that will appear again.

Leviticus 19:13, “You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker shall not remain with you all night until the morning”.  The wages of a hired worker should not be held overnight because it is the support of the man's life and family, and they need to expend it as fast as it is earned. In the same way, what you are defrauding your neighbour might be all that they have to live on.

Fraud, regardless of its form or scale, can have significant negative effects on individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. Here are some of the key negative consequences associated with fraud:

1. Financial Loss: Fraud can result in substantial financial losses for victims. Individuals may lose their savings, investments, or retirement funds, while businesses can suffer significant financial damage. In some cases, fraud can even lead to bankruptcy or closure of businesses.

2. Trust and Reputation Damage: Fraud erodes trust and damages the reputation of individuals and organizations involved. Victims may lose faith in institutions and become skeptical of future transactions. Similarly, businesses that are victims of fraud may experience a decline in customer trust, which can be challenging to rebuild.

3. Emotional and Psychological Impact: Fraud can have severe emotional and psychological consequences for victims. They may experience feelings of betrayal, anger, anxiety, and depression. The stress and emotional toll can lead to difficulty in personal relationships and overall well-being. Many people have actually taken their lives after being defrauded of huge sums of money, many a times the money may not even be theirs, they only wanted to try out business.

4. Legal and Regulatory Consequences: Fraudulent activities often have legal implications. Perpetrators can face criminal charges, fines, and imprisonment if convicted. On the other hand, victims may have to engage in lengthy legal battles to seek justice, which can be financially and emotionally draining.

5. Loss of Opportunities: Fraud can hinder economic growth and development by diverting resources away from legitimate activities. It reduces financial resources available for investments, research, and innovation, ultimately limiting opportunities for growth and progress. Some countries have become the poverty capital of the world because not many legitimate or sane organization want to do business with its government or citizens for fear of being defrauded.

6. Social Costs: Fraud affects society as a whole. When fraud occurs in sectors such as healthcare or social welfare, it can result in increased costs for everyone, including higher insurance premiums and taxes. It diverts resources that could be used for public services and infrastructure, impacting the overall quality of life.

7. Damage to Economy: Fraud undermines economic stability and confidence. It can lead to market distortions, reduced investor confidence, and diminished economic activity. Additionally, fraud can contribute to higher borrowing costs and insurance premiums, negatively impacting businesses and consumers alike.

8. Cybersecurity Risks: With the rise of digital technology, fraud has become increasingly prevalent in cyberspace. Cyber fraud, including identity theft and online scams, poses significant risks to individuals, businesses, and even governments. It can result in data breaches, financial theft, and compromised personal information.

Any temporary acquisition that will rob you of eternal peace and bliss is not worth having. With hardwork and dedication, you can earn good wealth honestly and live long to enjoy it and still have eternal life with God at the end. Selah

Shalom!

Pastor James Okon.