Psychological Aspects of Fraud Victims: Mechanisms of Vulnerability and Protection

Fraud has become one of the most common threats in modern society. Criminals use a variety of psychological techniques to manipulate people, deceive them, and obtain personal data or money. Understanding the reasons why people fall for scammers' tricks and learning to protect oneself and one's loved ones from deception is an important task in the digital age.

Psychology of Fraud Victims

People become victims of scammers when they find themselves psychologically vulnerable at a certain moment. Such states can be caused by stress, fatigue, fear for their well-being, or the desire to solve a problem quickly. For example, when receiving a call from a so-called "bank security service," a person may panic, losing the ability to think rationally.

Often, fraud victims feel the need for support, seeking solutions to financial or social difficulties. Scammers are adept at adjusting to a person's psychological state and skillfully manipulating their emotions. Additionally, many people are insufficiently informed about fraudulent methods, making them easy targets.

There is also the concept of "psychological compatibility" between the victim and the criminal. Perpetrators can tune into a person's wavelength, gauge their emotions, and establish contact in such a way as to build trust.

Why People Trust Scammers

People tend to trust scammers for several reasons. First, criminals carefully plan their schemes, creating an illusion of security for the victim. The use of official logos, fake IDs, or phone numbers similar to real ones misleads people.

Second, scammers actively play on emotions. They evoke fear, sympathy, or joy, leading people to make impulsive decisions without verifying information. For instance, the phrase "Your bank account is blocked" immediately causes anxiety, prompting many to rectify the situation without thinking.

A third factor is a lack of critical thinking. If information comes from an "authoritative" source, people tend to trust it automatically. For instance, a scammer may pose as a police officer or security service member, which lowers the victim's internal barriers.

Typical Signs of Fraud Victims

People who more frequently fall victim to fraud often have certain characteristics:

1. Low financial literacy. People unfamiliar with the principles of banking systems do not know how to properly protect their accounts and data.
2. Tendency towards impulsivity. Such individuals make decisions based on emotions, without verifying facts.
3. Lack of knowledge about modern fraud schemes. For example, many are unaware that they should not disclose a card's CVV code or passwords.
4. Need for assistance. Scammers often target people seeking support or a way out of difficult situations.
5. Excessive trustfulness. The tendency to believe strangers' words without proper verification makes a person vulnerable.

How to Protect Loved Ones from Scammers

To protect your loved ones from scammers, it is important to hold regular preventive conversations and explain fraudulent methods. Here are some effective recommendations:

• Increase awareness. Inform them about new fraud schemes. For example, explain that banks never request card details over the phone.
• Teach them to verify information. Encourage loved ones to always confirm details by calling official organization numbers.
• Develop digital literacy. Teach elderly people to use modern applications, check links, and avoid suspicious sites.
• Remind them about data confidentiality. Explain that personal passwords, PIN codes, and other details should not be shared, even with acquaintances.

For clarity, here are the main principles of safe behavior:

• Do not share banking card details with third parties.
• Check email senders for fake addresses.
• Ignore suspicious calls, especially if urgent actions are requested.

The Psychology of Trust and Scam Tactics

To manipulate people, scammers use a wide range of psychological techniques. One of the most popular is creating a sense of urgency. For example, the victim is told they have only a few minutes to make a decision. This prompts quick action without analyzing the situation.

Another tactic is the promise of benefit. Scammers offer "profitable" deals, winnings, or gifts, requiring only a small advance. This method works because the victim perceives minimal risk.

Another trick is playing on emotions. By using feelings of fear, joy, or pity, scammers reduce the victim's ability to act rationally. For example, when dealing with a "relative" in trouble, the victim often acts out of goodwill without verifying the truth of the story.