Some scams are so sophisticated they leave nearly everyone vulnerable. The Super Scammer’s would collect in-depth knowledge about the victim to lead him or her to assume it can’t be a scam. The details and pressure with ‘final warnings’ that is put on the victim drives him or her to fall for the fraud.

Sense of urgency elevates emotions and decreases rationality

The standard fraud playbook is to create a sense of urgency, which elevates emotions and decreases rationality. Scammers often warn of deadlines to force action. They don’t want to give the potential victim time to think things over or discuss the situation with others (read more). Some scammers know that the soft sell can be quite effective too. They present themselves as helpful, as if they don’t really care if the victim sends the money. They pretend to just be there to help.

Use the victim’s sense of responsibility

Placing the decision directly in the victim’s hands can be especially effective. It elevates a person’s sense of responsibility. In this way, scammers take advantage of off our good nature. No one wants to be unkind or uncaring when family or friends are in need. So some scams are so sophisticated they leave nearly everyone vulnerable.

Discuss what is happening with a trusted ally

Understanding how you are vulnerable is the first line of defense against scammers. The best advice to avoid being victimized, is to discuss what is happening with a sister, spouse, friend, or some other trusted ally. The victim is forced to relay the scenario in a rational manner. It provides a second opinion and it allows the victim to get out from under the full sense of responsibility for the decision.

Read more about the science of why we fall for scams here.

Canadian Fraud News Inc.