How scammers think

Scammers use feelings, not facts

A scammer wants you to act before you think.

So they try to make you feel something strong: worry, fear, excitement or love. When our feelings are strong, it is harder to think clearly.

This is not a weakness. It is how all people are made. Scammers know this, and they use it.

The five tricks

Almost every scam uses one or more of these tricks:

• Hurry. “Do it now, or you will lose everything.”
• Fear. “Your account will be blocked.” “Your son is in trouble.”
• Easy money. “You have won ₦500,000.” “Double your money in a week.”
• Secrecy. “Don’t tell anyone about this.”
• Pretending. They pretend to be your bank, a government office, a pastor or a family member.

What it looks like

Here is a message many parents have received. Look at how many tricks it uses at once.

It comes from a new number (pretending). It says “urgently” and “now” (hurry). It mentions a hospital (fear). And it says “don’t tell Daddy” (secrecy).

The pause that protects you

When a message or call makes you feel rushed or scared, that feeling is your sign to stop.

Take a breath. Put the phone down. Talk to someone you trust.

Think of it like crossing a busy road. You stop, you look, and only then do you cross.

A real bank, a real office and your real family will wait while you check. Only a scammer is in a hurry.