Scammers manipulate trust by using psychological techniques designed to bypass critical thinking and exploit emotions or cognitive biases.ohioattorneygeneral+2

Common Tactics Used by Scammers

• Emotional manipulation: Scammers often trigger fear, sympathy, excitement, or greed to prompt quick and uncritical action.cunastrategicservices+2
• Impersonation of authority: They may pose as trusted institutions or officials, such as banks, police, or government, to create instant credibility.tripwire+1
• Social proof and peer pressure: Fraudsters show fake reviews, testimonials, or claim “everyone is doing it” to make their offers appear trustworthy and popular.tripwire
• Urgency and threats: Creating a sense of scarcity or a time-limited opportunity pressures targets to act fast without verifying information.kindredcu+2
• Mirroring or shared interests: Scammers sometimes pretend to share similar beliefs, interests, or backgrounds to build rapport and emotional connection.tegfcu

Exploiting Cognitive Biases

• Confirmation bias: Messages are crafted to flatter existing beliefs or hopes, making scams seem more credible.m1cu+1
• Optimism bias: The belief that “it couldn’t happen to me” makes individuals underestimate scam risk.ohioattorneygeneral+1
• Reciprocity: Offering a small benefit or favor creates a sense of obligation to respond or help in return.tripwire

Understanding these tactics makes it easier to spot manipulative behavior and avoid becoming a victim.cunastrategicservices+2

 
1. https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Media/Newsletters/Consumer-Advocate/April-2025/The-psychology-of-a-scam
 
2. https://www.cunastrategicservices.com/content/how-scammers-manipulate-your-emotions
 
3. https://security.it.utah.edu/training/scam-tactics.php
 
4. https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/top-scam-techniques-what-you-need-to-know
 
5. https://dartcollective.net/how-scammers-manipulate-their-targets-the-secret-to-social-engineering/
 
6. https://blog.kindredcu.com/how-fraudsters-build-scams-and-use-urgency-to-trick-you
 
7. https://www.tegfcu.com/fraud-security/scammers-emotional-manipulation/
 
8. https://www.m1cu.org/news/articles/the-psychology-behind-scams-why-people-get-fooled
 
9. https://www.ussfcu.org/media-center/security-corner/blog-detail-security-corner.html?title=the-psychology-behind-scams-7-manipulation-techniques-to-watch-out-for

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