In today’s digital age, scams are everywhere, from phishing emails and fake online stores to fraudulent phone calls and social media impersonators. Falling victim to a scam can be financially devastating and emotionally distressing, leading to increased anxiety, stress, and even a loss of trust in others. By understanding the tactics scammers use and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can reduce the risk of being scammed and maintain your peace of mind.
The Connection Between Scams and Anxiety
Scams thrive on fear, urgency, and emotional manipulation. They target vulnerabilities, whether financial stress, loneliness, or simple curiosity. For individuals already dealing with anxiety, the fear of being scammed can be overwhelming, and falling for a scam can intensify feelings of shame, guilt, and distress. Recognising scams and knowing how to respond effectively can empower you, reducing anxiety and enhancing your digital safety.
How to Identify a Scam
Scammers use a variety of tactics to deceive their victims. Understanding their methods can help you stay alert. Here are some common warning signs of scams:
1. Urgency and Pressure
Scammers often create a false sense of urgency. They might claim you owe money, your account has been compromised, or you have won a limited-time prize. If someone pressures you to act immediately, pause and verify their claims before taking action.
Common scam phrases:
- “Act now, or your account will be suspended!”
- “You have 24 hours to claim your prize!”
- “If you don’t pay now, legal action will be taken against you!”
2. Requests for Personal or Financial Information
Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information like passwords, PINs, or Social Security numbers over the phone or via email. Be cautious if you receive unsolicited messages requesting such details.
Common phishing attempts:
- Emails pretending to be from banks asking you to verify your account.
- Phone calls claiming to be the IRS or tax department requesting payment.
- Messages from “friends” on social media asking for your financial details.
3. Too Good to Be True Offers
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers lure victims with promises of quick money, free gifts, or guaranteed investment returns.
Red flags:
- “Win a free iPhone—just pay for shipping!”
- “Earn $500 a day working from home with no experience!”
- “Guaranteed 200% return on your investment in just one week!”
4. Unusual Payment Requests
Scammers often request payment in unconventional ways, such as:
- Gift cards (Amazon, iTunes, Google Play)
- Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
- Wire transfers (Western Union, MoneyGram)
- Prepaid debit cards
Legitimate businesses and government agencies do not demand payment through these methods.
5. Poor Grammar and Spelling
Many scams originate from overseas and contain grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, and inconsistent formatting.
Example of a scam email: “Dear customer, Your account has been hacked, and we need your informations immediatly to restore it. Click the link bellow.”
Legitimate companies have professional communication standards and rarely make such errors.
How to Prevent Scams and Protect Yourself
Knowing how to detect scams is essential, but taking steps to prevent them is equally important. Here’s how you can protect yourself:
1. Verify the Source
Always confirm the legitimacy of emails, phone calls, and messages before responding.
- Bank notifications: Contact your bank directly through their official phone number or website.
- Job offers: Research the company and check for reviews.
- Charity donations: Visit the official website and verify registration details before donating.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Adding an extra layer of security to your online accounts can prevent unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised. Use 2FA wherever possible, especially for:
- Online banking
- Social media accounts
- Email accounts
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Using the same password across multiple accounts increases your risk of being hacked. Instead, use:
- A password manager to generate and store secure passwords.
- Long passwords (12+ characters) with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
4. Be Sceptical of Unsolicited Contact
If you receive an unexpected call, email, or message, especially from someone claiming to be from a company or government agency, do not provide any personal information. Instead, end the conversation and reach out to the organisation directly.
5. Educate Yourself and Others
Stay informed about the latest scams by following cybersecurity news, government consumer protection websites, and social media alerts. Educate family members, especially elderly relatives, who are more vulnerable to scams.
6. Install Security Software
Use antivirus software and keep your computer and mobile devices updated to protect against malware and phishing attacks. Browser extensions that flag suspicious websites can also help.
7. Report Scams
If you encounter a scam, report it to the relevant authorities:
- In New Zealand: Netsafe (www.netsafe.org.nz) or CERT NZ (www.cert.govt.nz)
- In Australia: Scamwatch (www.scamwatch.gov.au)
- In the US: Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov)
- In the UK: Action Fraud (www.actionfraud.police.uk)
Dealing with the Anxiety of Being Scammed
Even with precautions, anyone can fall victim to a scam. If this happens to you, it’s important to manage the emotional impact.
1. Don’t Blame Yourself
Scammers are highly skilled at deception. Falling for a scam doesn’t mean you are foolish—it means the scam was convincing.
2. Take Immediate Action
- Contact your bank if you’ve provided financial details.
- Change passwords if your accounts were compromised.
- Report the scam to authorities.
3. Seek Emotional Support
Feeling anxious, ashamed, or angry after a scam is normal. Talking to a trusted friend, counsellor, or support group can help ease the distress.
4. Learn and Move Forward
Use the experience to educate yourself and others. Staying informed reduces future risk and builds resilience against scams.
Conclusion: Stay Vigilant and Reduce Anxiety
Scams are an unfortunate reality in today’s digital world, but by staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from falling victim. Understanding common scam tactics, recognising red flags, and taking proactive steps to secure your personal information will help you navigate online interactions with confidence. Protecting yourself from scams not only safeguards your finances but also reduces stress and anxiety, allowing you to engage with the digital world safely and securely.
Call to Action: Get Support from Mindful Connections
If you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, or the emotional impact of being scammed, Mindful Connections is here to help. Our expert counsellors provide support and guidance to help you regain confidence and peace of mind. Book a session today and take the first step towards feeling like yourself again.
