“Real Housewives of Potomac” star Dr. Wendy Osefo’s fraud arrest last week shocked fans — but Claudia Jordan says if you’re a reality star, you better move carefully … ’cause the spotlight means extra eyes on everything you do!

TMZ caught up with Claudia in NYC on Friday, and she told us Wendy’s bust isn’t about having a target on your back — it’s simple, you can’t cheat the system. But if you slip up, she says, authorities love turning reality stars into the perfect example.

Catch the full clip — ’cause Claudia breaks it down even more … saying she’s actually a big fan of Wendy, and hopes she and her hubby Eddie learned their lesson after the arrest.

Prosecutors charged Wendy with 16 offenses — including 7 felonies. Eddie was slapped with 18 charges — 9 of which are felonies.