03. Deception
Because of human nature, most of us are vulnerable to at least one of these tactics. Understanding them reduces the risk of being taken advantage of.
Common Tactics:
1. Consensus: Fake proof that “others already acted.”
By human nature, seeing proof that someone else has already acted can influence our behavior; like a bartender placing a few bills in a tip jar to suggest others have tipped, and appreciative of the service. Scammers often use this “proof” against us. For example, by flooding chats with fake success stories to create a false sense of safety.
By human nature, seeing proof that someone else has already acted can influence our behavior; like a bartender placing a few bills in a tip jar to suggest others have tipped, and appreciative of the service. Scammers often use this “proof” against us. For example, by flooding chats with fake success stories to create a false sense of safety.
2. Scarcity: Urgency designed to bypass thinking.
A scammer might claim there are only two tickets left for your favorite team’s final game, pushing you to act before you’ve had time to evaluate.
3. Familiarity: Messages that appear to come from people or institutions you trust.
Messages that appear to come from people or institutions you trust. Attackers may use subject lines like “RE:” or “FW:” to make messages feel like part of an existing conversation.
Messages that appear to come from people or institutions you trust. Attackers may use subject lines like “RE:” or “FW:” to make messages feel like part of an existing conversation.
4. There are many such techniques. Protection is often 40% tools and 60% human choices.
In some cases, simple actions like enabling Interac auto-deposit can reduce fraud risk more effectively than adding another tool.
In some cases, simple actions like enabling Interac auto-deposit can reduce fraud risk more effectively than adding another tool.
Rule of Thumb:
If a decision could cause serious harm if it goes wrong, slow down and verify. Spending $100 on quick expert advice can prevent a $10,000 loss—and the emotional damage that follows.
If a decision could cause serious harm if it goes wrong, slow down and verify. Spending $100 on quick expert advice can prevent a $10,000 loss—and the emotional damage that follows.
Key Statistic
60%
of your protection comes from the decisions you make – not from the tools you install.