The rest of the world is now awakening to the reach of marketing; the developed world has already paid the price many times over! The poorer countries were quite oblivious to marketing gimmicks as they do not even have enough to get by. With free-trade, came the ways to get them hooked-on to the finer things of life, whether they can afford them is another issue altogether! At least, that set them on a course of hot-pursuit to catch-up with the rest; it is tough to get even on finer aspects of life!
Creating a market for products has its own dark side. Those who can make a choice need not bother; but what about those who are naïve to be taken-in by the sweet talks to part with their meager resources at the cost of essentials? Direct marketing entices many into believing that it is a sure way to ascend to riches. But the target audience will have no way to get away from falling preys to buying products that they do not need or can afford.
There are many who have found success in marketing but in different environments quite alien to their target audience in poorer countries. The success is touted as a cake-walk, a sure-shot but the realities are quite different! A fool & and his money are soon parted! Of course, buyers beware holds sway but if the buyer is not able to make a wise choice?
The same holds true for trade & investing. The basics are not learnt & the costs of mistakes or bad judgments can ruin the gullible beyond recovery. The stock markets are treacherous even for the experts; then what about for the novices? When millions move-in & out at the click of a button, those who have no easy access to technology will bite the dust.
Marketing is a good tool but the target audience does matter. Marketing wizards are experts in their game, highlighting the plusses but hiding the pitfalls; easy to net while dealing with the gullible who are novices in the trade. Despite repeated warnings, many still fall prey to internet scams, promising windfalls for initial fees that snow-ball in no time, classic case of throwing good money after bad!
The long arm of law will be difficult to net those who stay on the sidelines & walk-away with the spoils. The success stories of those who made it big are too enticing but far removed from the real world realities. Most end-up losing their hard-earned money going after a mirage!
While the world is grappling with issues that threaten our lives, some shenanigans have easy lives. With internet playing a greater role, the chances of getting away with the loot are easier, literally hiding behind the screens. Also, many are trapped into these activities with promises of riches by sending spam mail by the thousands from homes!
One need not be a fool to part with the money with the onslaught of technology & glib talks! Buyers indeed beware many times over! Those who come after you could themselves be victims!