How To Identify Scams

Just recently, I have been scammed by someone online who was trying to sell me a phone. Overcome by the greed to enjoy a great bargain and probably impatient to get hold of the good deal, I was not as careful as I should have been and lost close to a thousand dollars just like that. When I called the police about how I can lodge a report, I enquired more details about how the law can help me. The policeman was a really nice friendly chap and he told me that even if I lodged a report, the chances that I can get the money back is slim (because I paid via Western Union). I understand that but I wanted to report to the police because I wanted other people to know about it and not fall for the trap. However, I was told that the police already did extensive work to inform the public about the various types of scams being done but still every year, tonnes of pple are being scammed. I suspect though that the figures are much higher than the police know because for fear of being labeled stu