How Scammers Manipulate Your Emotions

At TEGFCU, your financial safety is a priority. Scammers often rely on emotional manipulation to trick you, using intense feelings to cloud your judgment. Understanding scammers emotional manipulation tactics can help you stay vigilant against their tricks. Fraud expert Douglas Shadel, with over 20 years of experience researching scams and fraud, has interviewed dozens of convicted con artists and explains that scammers try to get victims “under the ether”, a highly emotional state where logical thinking fades.

This “ether” refers to a heightened emotional state where reasoning takes a back seat. Scammers exploit this effect through fear, excitement, or urgency to get victims to comply with their demands. The better you understand these tactics, the harder it becomes for fraudsters to affect you. Below, we’ll break down the emotional manipulation strategies scammers use and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

Emotional Manipulation in Action

Every scammer has one goal: to get you to respond emotionally rather than rationally. They’re not just telling lies; they’re creating scenarios designed to bypass your critical thinking. Whether you’re feeling panic, hope, or empathy, these emotions make you more vulnerable to their schemes.

But what tactics do they use? Scammers rely on four key strategies to manipulate emotions and gain control.

1. Gathering Personal Information
   Scammers aren’t blindly making guesses, they gather information that helps them craft believable stories. Sometimes they’ll ask leading questions during an interaction, looking for what Doug Shadel calls your “emotional Achilles’ heel.” They want to know if you’re lonely, worried, or stressed. If they know you’re having a hard day or facing financial strain, they’ll build their strategy around that vulnerability.
   Other times, scammers use social media or data breaches to probe your life. Posts about grandchildren, frustrations with utility companies, or recent purchases can all be used against you.
   Protect Yourself:
   Share less online: Adjust your social media privacy settings to make your posts visible only to trusted connections. Even then, think twice before sharing.
   Be cautious during any unsolicited conversation: Whether it’s a phone call, text, or email, don’t reveal personal details like your financial status, emotional state, or other vulnerabilities.
2. Building Trust
   Once scammers know something about you, establishing trust is next. They may pose as someone from a government agency, your bank, or even a family member. For example, Romance Scammers spend time mirroring interests or life experiences to create an emotional connection.
   One scammer, Shadel, said he used a victim’s faith to build trust, spending hours praying with her before making fraudulent requests. This tactic gives victims a false sense of security, making them more likely to comply with future demands.
   Protect Yourself:
   Verify identities: If someone claims to represent an organization, contact that group directly using verified contact information.
   Be skeptical of anyone who connects too quickly: Whether it’s a romantic partner or a helpful “official,” fast-moving relationships should raise suspicion.
3. Creating Urgency
   Urgency is a classic scam tactic. When victims feel they’re running out of time, they’re more likely to act without thinking. Scammers may claim you must act fast to avoid a penalty, secure a prize, or fix a problem.
   From fake IRS calls threatening arrest to urgent “lost package” texts, the goal is to push you into immediate action. Remember, scammers don’t want to give you a chance to pause and think critically.
   Protect Yourself:
   Resist knee-jerk responses: Legitimate organizations rarely require immediate action. Give yourself time to verify any claims.
   Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts: Instead, independently search for contact info or official websites to confirm the matter.
4. Exploiting Fear, Greed, or Empathy
   Scammers expertly tap into our strongest emotions. Fear-based scams, like fake threats from law enforcement or tech support, are built to cause panic. Similarly, the promise of quick riches, like winning lotteries or investments with “huge returns,” triggers greed.
   Perhaps most difficult to resist are scams playing on empathy, such as fake charity appeals or heartbreaking stories of loved ones in “emergencies.” These tactics rely on your natural desire to help. For example, “grandparent scams” call older adults pretending to be a grandchild in trouble.
   Protect Yourself:
   Pause and think: Ask yourself, “Is this manipulating my emotions?”
   Verify claims independently: For example, if someone claims to be a relative in need, call them directly on their known number.
   Research before donating: Use sites like Charity Navigator to confirm an organization’s legitimacy.

Practical Steps to Stay Safe

It’s easy to fall into scammers’ traps when emotions take over. The best way to protect yourself is to limit exposure, recognize red flags, and stay alert in emotionally charged situations. Here’s how.

Limit Your Exposure
Scammers can’t manipulate you if you stay cautious about how they contact you.
Imposter Scammers can even make it look like a call, email, or text is coming from TEG Federal Credit Union. If something seems suspicious, hang up or stop responding, and call us directly to confirm.
Stop and screen: Let unknown numbers go to voicemail. If it’s important, the caller will leave a message.
Avoid suspicious links: Delete unsolicited texts and emails without clicking any links.

Be Mindful of What You Share
Protecting your information protects your emotions.
Avoid sharing personal details online, like major life events or family member names.
Decline to answer personal questions over the phone, especially from unknown contacts.

Recognize Reg Flags
Stay alert to language designed to provoke you or rush you into action. Remember, imposter scammers can make it look like a call, email, or text is coming from TEG Federal Credit Union. If you get a suspicious message or call, hang up or stop responding, and contact us directly using our official contact information to confirm any requests.
Watch for unsolicited messages that demand immediate action.
Be skeptical of anyone asking for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money transfers.

Take Proactive Steps
Put safeguards in place so scammers can’t gain access to your personal or financial accounts.
Freeze your credit through Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion, so no one can open accounts in your name.
Monitor your financial accounts for suspicious activity, adjusting your settings for real-time alerts when possible. Use fraud protection services offered by trusted organizations.

TEGFCU is Here to Help

Protecting your financial well-being is our mission. By staying informed and vigilant, you can stop scammers in their tracks. If you notice unusual activity on your accounts or feel uncertain about a suspicious interaction, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Remember, the first line of defense is awareness. You can approach interactions with a clear mind by understanding how scammers manipulate emotions, whether through fear, empathy, or urgency. Stay cautious, stay informed, and don’t hesitate to contact TEGFCU for guidance whenever needed.

Together, we can build a safe financial future.

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