Manipulative Individuals Employ Specific Language Techniques to Deceive Victims

In the digital age, scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in their methods, often relying on fundamental social-psychological principles to manipulate even the most vigilant individuals.

Elena Shpagina, a candidate of psychological sciences and an associate professor at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Institute of Technology Management of RТU MИRЭА, recently spoke about these tactics in a conversation with RT.

Scammers often create a sense of urgency by using phrases like "this must be done right now" or "you must immediately check your hacked account". This artificial time scarcity is designed to provoke stress and prevent rational assessment, pushing victims to act impulsively.

Manipulating emotions is a key strategy for scammers. They may feign concern while increasing demands, using phrases like "your neighbors have already used this offer" or "hundreds of people have transferred money" to appeal to the "herd instinct".

Scammers' schemes are meticulously planned to exploit psychological vulnerabilities. They devise complex, step-by-step schemes, gradually increasing the stakes, starting with small requests and then demanding larger actions, such as transferring all money.

Experts advise ending any suspicious conversations and contacting official bank or organization numbers directly. Any message demanding immediate action with money or personal data should raise suspicion. It's crucial not to share SMS codes, CVV card codes, or passwords with anyone, even if the request seems legitimate.

The most frequently targeted organizations by scammers include municipal services, regional transport companies, and IT firms. Countries particularly affected include Germany, with increased reports of cybercrime from 2018 onwards, intensifying notably between 2020 and 2024. During this period, cybercriminals shifted from loud broad attacks to more stealthy, targeted campaigns.

Psychologists say that these methods are designed to manipulate emotions and suppress critical thinking. Scammers aim to trigger the "fight or flight" instinct, which can lead to impulsive actions.

When faced with suspicious activity, it's essential to take time to consider the situation and find independent information confirmation. Verifying information independently is a crucial step in protecting oneself from scammers.