Fraudsters are skilled at using emotional manipulation to trick people into acting against their best judgment. Two common tactics they employ are creating urgency and building trust over time. You’ve probably seen it before: an email or message demanding you act fast. Scammers love to create urgency because it’s a quick way to make us panic and skip the logical steps we’d usually take.
On the other hand, if a strange message doesn’t start with a sense of urgency, it still doesn’t mean it’s safe. Other Scammers often start small to build trust over a period of time to create a layered scam.
By understanding these strategies, you can better protect yourself from falling victim.
Creating Urgency
Fraudsters know that creating panic can disrupt our ability to think clearly. For instance, you might receive an email claiming your bank account will be frozen unless you click a link and log in immediately. Or perhaps someone calls, claiming to be from tech support, warning you that your computer has been hacked. These high-pressure tactics are designed to get you to act fast without thinking twice.
Sometimes, urgency begins subtly, such as a fake friend request or an unsolicited message. Fraudsters may start with casual conversations to gain your trust, making you feel comfortable. Once you’re convinced of their legitimacy, they’ll pressure you into sending money or sharing sensitive information.
Stay Calm and Verify
The best way to beat urgency is to take a step back and breathe. Scammers rely on panic, but pausing gives you the power to regain control. To stay safe:
- Pause before acting. If you receive a suspicious message or call, always tell the caller you will return their call - contact the company directly using official channels that you can verify (for example the phone number on your monthly statement) instead of responding on the spot.
- Examine the details closely. Check email and website addresses (the full name in the URL – kindred.com for example) for subtle spelling mistakes or inconsistencies. Fraudsters often use fake domains that look almost identical to real ones.
- Enable two-step verification (2SV). This added layer of protection requires a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, making it harder for fraudsters to access your accounts –even if they have your password.
When faced with urgent demands, remember: pausing is powerful. Scammers thrive on panic, but you’ve got the tools to stay ahead. Slow down, double-check, and trust your gut—it’s better to take your time than fall into their trap.
How Fraudsters Layer Scams
Not all scams begin with urgency. In many cases, scammers start small, posing as a friend or a representative from a trusted organization. They might ask for a small e-transfer, something that feels harmless and easy to fulfill, or they pretend to need your help. Over time, they build trust, convincing you that their requests are genuine before escalating to larger demands.
Fraudsters also exploit trusted organizations or software to gain access to your personal information or funds. This can involve creating convincing but fake websites or emails that mimic well-known brands, financial institutions, or even security software providers. Always check the website address or URL when you’re online for spelling errors (dot coms versus dot ca, or missing letters), URL changes, or even domain extensions, especially when shopping online. These schemes are designed to make you feel safe, all while they work to compromise your accounts.
You may even encounter fraudsters pretending to help recover money you’ve already lost. After defrauding someone, they reappear as representatives of a trusted organization offering to “recover” the funds—for a fee.
Remember: taking your time is your greatest asset against scams. When faced with urgent demands or gradual trust-building tactics, pausing to verify can save you from falling into their trap. Always verify the identity of anyone requesting personal information or payment, even if they claim to represent a familiar organization. By staying informed and cautious, you can recognize the tactics scammers use and safeguard your financial and personal well-being.
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If you have been a victim of a scam, please inform Kindred Credit Union so we can ensure your account is protected and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.