You are not naive, the psychology of manipulation is very real.
Scammers and scammers have always existed, but technology has made it easier than ever for them to find victims. In 2024, it seems most of us have had experiences with scams.
Whether you've bought a nice pair of jeans from a fraudulent Instagram ad, been tricked by fake reviews on Amazon, or fallen prey to a phishing email, you've likely wasted time, money, and trust in others.
According to Gallup, 15% of people in the US report that they or a family member has been the victim of a scam in the past year. While older people are often thought to be more vulnerable, reports show that the 35-44 age group are most likely to fall prey to scams, while 18-24 year olds lose the most money. In addition to the financial impact, economic fraud seriously damages the mental well-being of the victims.
Psychological factors that fraudsters exploit
1. Trust and authority
?Fraudsters often pose as trusted authorities or institutions to gain trust. They may mimic the language or communication styles of your acquaintances, making you feel comfortable. An official-looking email from your bank can trick you into sharing personal information.
2. Emotional manipulation
Scammers use fear and strong emotions to influence your decisions. Fear of punishment, financial loss, or a seemingly "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity makes you act quickly, often without thinking carefully.
3. Prejudices
Confirmation Bias: People tend to look for information that matches their beliefs.
Optimism Bias: We think bad things won't happen to us.
Authority-Based Bias: People have a strong tendency to trust authority figures.
4. Social impact
?Scammers use social norms to create pressure. They may claim that "everyone else is doing it" or they may offer a small favor to make you feel "obliged" to return the favor.
Factors that make us more vulnerable
Financial problems: People who are in financial trouble often hope for a quick fix, making it easier to fall prey to scams.
Loneliness and isolation: People who feel lonely are more likely to believe scammers trying to create emotional connections.
Stress and anxiety: These conditions often impair the ability to make logical decisions.
Lack of knowledge: Those who are not familiar with the technology or common fraud strategies are more exposed to the risk.
How to protect yourself from scams:
Learn about the most common tactics of scammers.
Pay attention to details and do not act in haste.
If something seems too good to be true, it probably isn't.
Educate yourself and others about the techniques scammers use.
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