Author / joshuastanley720

by joshuastanley720

The Psychology of Scams: How the Mind Can Work Against Victims

Scams are a growing problem, with about 1 in 5 adults saying they’ve lost money to them at one point.

Others lose personal information, their sense of trust, and a lot of sleep because of scams. From the outside, it’s easy to scoff. “How could a person fall for these scams? Why would they go along with them? It seems so obvious!”

For the skeptic looking in, it’s almost like the scam victims were operating from a different mindset or even a different reality. Psychology tells us this may actually be the case, in some sense.

The Psychological Explanations of How Scams Succeed

Some psychologists refer to the brain as an algorithm that runs on confirmation bias. This means the moment the mind accepts an assumption as fact, it will begin filtering out evidence that challenges this assumption’s validity. In addition, the mind will be more inclined to accept any supposed evidence that reinforces the initial assumption.

When a person is contacted by scammers, especially if they believe they are in trouble or danger, the assumption that they must correct the situation can take hold immediately. Fear, confusion, and panic can all lead even the most careful of individuals to fall for scams, while ignoring otherwise clear warning signs.

This urge to “want to believe” can result in psychological blind spots. These are unacknowledged behavioral patterns that can drive certain actions. For example:

  • A person who hasn’t confronted their loneliness may fall for a romance scam
  • Someone who is too generous may be inclined to send money or goods to others
  • An individual who is afraid to ask for help may cooperate with scammers without thinking twice

So what’s the solution to rewiring your mind to thwart scams? The first step is to stop and breathe. Don’t take any communication you receive as automatically factual. Be skeptical of everything, no matter how formal it may seem. When in doubt, end a communication and contact the supposed organization behind it. Whether it’s the SSA, IRS, your bank, or any other entity, you can ask them directly if a communication you received is legitimate.

Before we roll our eyes at scam victims, let’s remember that a person’s mind can make them vulnerable and even blind them from seeing the truth. It’s not just a scam – it’s the science of how the mind works.

To learn more about scam avoidance, bookmark our blog for new posts every week.

by joshuastanley720

AI Scam Sees Family’s Pet Abducted, Multiple Cases Reported

Not only are scammers becoming more sophisticated in their tactics, but they’re proving there’s no low they won’t stoop to.

A recent scam attempt saw a family’s dog abducted. The family, understandably desperate for the return of their beloved pet, was naturally receptive to any and all tips that could lead to its safe return.

However, the call they got came from scammers, who tried an insidious tactic to tug at the family’s heartstrings in an attempt to extort them at their most vulnerable moment.

Scammers Used AI to Try to Trick Grieving Families

The family says they were contacted about their missing dog and informed it had been hit by a car. They were even sent a picture of the animal on the operating table. This came with a request for money so its life could be saved.

Many people would’ve acted without hesitation. After all, there’s no price you can put on a beloved pet. However, the family knew something didn’t seem right. Upon closer examination of the picture, they noticed the fur didn’t match that of their pet. They also spotted a date on the supposed X-ray that didn’t line up with the timeline of events.

Thankfully, the family didn’t send the money. Several days later, a vehicle was spotted dropping their pet back off. While the story does have a happy ending, another scam like this was reported in a different state, and authorities believe the two events were connected.

While a situation like this could cause anyone to act without thinking, it’s crucial to pause and breathe when confronted with a moment like this. If you receive a request for money, valuables, or personal information from any unknown party, approach it with extreme skepticism. Doing so could save you from serious harm.

Remember, AI can create images, videos, and audio clips that are very convincing. Before you assume the person on the other end of any communication is acting in good faith, consider how stories like this are becoming more common by the day. As an added precaution, if you hear of a scam like this in your area, consider keeping your pet indoors.

Do you know anyone targeted in an AI scam like this? Share your story in the comments.

by joshuastanley720

Pass It On: Celebrate Older Americans Month by Helping to Stop Scams

During this Older Americans Month, seniors across the nation celebrate not just their wisdom and experiences, but also valuable fraud education through the Pass It On campaign by the FTC.

Embracing the theme of social connections, the campaign has fostered thousands of interactions, igniting dialogues to safeguard against scams.

We here at The Seniors Center support all efforts to protect seniors and older adults from fraud. Here’s how this program and the movement around it are promoting safety through education and community.

Pass It On: A Movement That Spreads Information and Hope

Initially conceived based on direct feedback from older adults, Pass It On embodies simplicity, clarity, and relevance. It delivers plain language materials that honor readers and their life journeys.

What began with coverage of critical topics has expanded greatly. The more people come forward to discuss their experiences with scams, the easier it is for others to speak up as well. This makes the movement one of camaraderie and mutual support.

Seniors, with their diverse backgrounds and learning preferences, are vulnerable to scams regardless. Hence, a group of subject-matter experts has outlined principles for organizations engaging older adults. The FTC offers insights into scams related to investments, charity, healthcare, tech support, and more.

Over the past decade, a multitude of community partners have tirelessly disseminated Pass It On messages to their circles, spanning from clients to neighbors. From aging services to consumer protection groups, financial institutions to law enforcement, dedicated individuals have conducted presentations, led discussions, and shared insights with loved ones.

The impact spans beyond organizations. Individuals now feel more confident discussing these matters in casual conversation, creating a beacon that shines light on scams and how to stop them.

Keen to become part of this network? Explore opportunities at ftc.gov/PassItOn and join in the collective effort to fortify seniors against scams.

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How Seniors Can Safely Store Personal Information

Knowing how to safely store personal information is more important than ever, especially for seniors. As more of our lives go digital, knowing how to protect sensitive information can prevent scams, identity theft, and lost data.

Start by using strong passwords. Avoid simple words or numbers, and instead create passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager to securely store and organize your passwords. This tool eliminates the need to remember multiple passwords while keeping everything safe in one place.

For physical documents like Social Security cards, financial statements, and medical records, store them in a locked drawer or safe. This keeps sensitive paperwork out of reach from visitors or house staff. Regularly review what documents you truly need, and shred outdated paperwork that contains personal information.

It’s also smart to back up digital files. Use external hard drives or secure cloud services to store important documents like legal forms, bank statements, and medical records. This ensures you can access them in case of a computer issue or cyberattack.

Lastly, be cautious when sharing information. Avoid sending personal details through email or over the phone unless you’re absolutely sure of who’s on the other end.

By taking these steps, seniors can enjoy peace of mind knowing their personal information is stored safely—both digitally and physically.

by joshuastanley720

This Woman Lost $500K to an Elaborate Social Security Scam

Just how easy is it to fall prey to an organized Social Security scam? Imagine you’re relaxing one ordinary day, when you get a phone call. The caller identification indicates it’s the Social Security Administration (SSA).

You pick up the phone, and before you know it, you’re being patched through to multiple parties across different departments. The goal? To clear your name, after your Social Security number was stolen.

This is what happened to an Ohio woman. But there was no stolen number – at least not initially. That’s because the call and the entire operation around it was a Social Security scam. Now she’s sharing her story in hopes it may help others stay safe.

This Social Security Scam Had Everything – Including One Twist

The Ohio woman who was targeted was preyed on using fear mongering. As we’ve discussed, this is arguably the most popular tactic of scammers. They told her that her number was linked to drug trafficking and money laundering activities. She worried she could face jail time.

But the person on the other line, who claimed to be from the SSA, assured her they were there to help. She mentioned the operation was very smooth. The person she was talking to had all the answers, and never hesitated. In addition, her calls were put through to multiple departments. The fact she talked to many different people may have made the scam seem even more real.

While it has all the makings of a classic scam, this one had one unique aspect. The woman was told to take her retirement funds and put them into gold. Then multiple people came to her home to pick the gold up. The first people who came by have not been caught. But the second pair of individuals were pulled over by police. They found the gold and the woman’s receipt in the car. Court records reveal the individuals recently served prison time, and are part of an international organized crime group.

As for the victim, though, her $500,000 in retirement funds is gone. After working for 40 years, she’s now looking for a job. She shared her story in hopes it may help someone else.

For more news on Social Security scams, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

by joshuastanley720

AI Voice Scams Are on the Rise—Here’s How to Stop Them

AI voice scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and seniors are often the primary targets.

Using advanced artificial intelligence tools, scammers can now replicate a loved one’s voice with just a short audio clip.

These cloned voices can be used in phone calls to trick older adults into believing that a grandchild, child, or other family member is in danger and urgently needs money. The emotional manipulation is powerful—and sadly, often effective.

How AI Voice Scams Work and How to Stay Safe

Many of these scams begin with a sense of panic: “Grandma, I’ve been in an accident,” or “I’m in jail, and I need bail money.” The voice sounds just like a family member, and the caller insists on secrecy or immediate action. Anyone who may not be familiar with AI technology can be caught off guard and respond before verifying the situation.

One simple yet highly effective way to protect your loved ones is to establish a family code word or phrase. This should be something easy to remember but hard for outsiders to guess. Pick something not found in social media posts or public records. It could be a childhood nickname, a favorite vacation spot, or a silly phrase you’ve never shared with anyone else. If someone calls claiming to be a relative in trouble, ask for the code word. If they don’t know it, hang up and contact the real person directly.

Other voice scams ask simple questions, often from scammers posing as Social Security, Medicare, or tax authorities. “Can you hear me?” When you respond with “yes,” they can use this voice clip to approve security prompts on your behalf, using the recording to give consent to purchases, account access, and more. The solution? Don’t say “yes,” and if you receive an unsolicited call, ask who it is, then hang up and contact that organization directly to check if the communication is legitimate.

Remember, you can use your voice to spread the word about scams like these. Inform your family and friends, and make plans to prepare for said schemes ahead of time. Do you know anyone who has been targeted? Share your thoughts and experiences.

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by joshuastanley720

Use These Resources to Protect Your Social Security Number

If you’re looking to protect your Social Security number, we’ve got some tips for you.

This data point is one of the most heavily guarded for all, and for good reason. Because of this, many resources exist to help you protect it.

Today we’ll discuss some tools designed to protect your number from unauthorized use. We’ll also provide some tips you can use if you think your number is at risk for any reason.

Tools and Tips for Protecting Your Social Security Number

We start our list at the source. The Social Security Administration’s website is your first stop to protecting your number. On your account, you can check to see if your earnings are accurate, which could provide clues if anyone has used your number illegally.

There are many ways data thieves can use your number. One is to file taxes, and stick you with the bill. Luckily, you can lock your number on E-Verify, so only you can use it. As a bonus, you’ll get an alert if anyone tries to use it.

What about if someone tries to sell your number on the dark web? Many identity theft protection systems such as Aura can scan for instances like this. They can also do the same for your credit card numbers, address, and much more.

Consider making a security ritual, where once or twice a month, you check the above resources to verify the safety of your number. And if something does seem amiss, you’ll be able to react promptly. If you believe your number has been stolen, you can put a fraud alert on it via the SSA’s website.

With the right approach, you can keep this valuable data point protected. We’re happy to help you safeguard your privacy and your peace of mind. Bookmark our blog so you never miss a post.

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How Your Mindset Makes You More Susceptible to Scams and Fraud

Scams and fraud are billion-dollar industries. Criminals work diligently to create intricate and elaborate schemes, many of which target older Americans.

But the truth is that anyone can be targeted by a scam. Sometimes when we see these stories on the news, or read about them online, we may be tempted to scoff.

“How could someone fall for such an obvious trap?” But the truth is that everyone is susceptible. In most cases, it all comes down to your mindset.

How a Busy Mind Can Make You Vulnerable

Imagine a person who is struggling financially, or barely making ends meet. This individual focuses on being careful with their money, avoiding any additional losses or unnecessary expenses.

But when they get a call that their bank savings or Social Security benefits are at risk, their mindset works against them. While some believe they’re being careful and acting fast by following instructions to “protect” their finances, they’re really falling prey to scammers.

Imagine someone who has seen countless stories online or on the news about people having their private information stolen. At the first hint they might suffer a similar fate, they could be quick to comply with anyone giving them instructions – even if it’s a scammer impersonating a legitimate authority.

Scammers can easily target someone with a busy mind, who is nervous, or who reacts too quickly. What’s the solution? Just as we should be more understanding of those who fall victim to scams, we should take this same slower mindset anytime a similar situation arises.

If someone claiming to be a legitimate authority contacts you and asks for money, physical goods, or private information, pause immediately. End the communication, and reach out to the organization in question directly. This will help you determine if the communication is legitimate or not.

When in doubt, practice the pause. It could save you from being scammed!

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by joshuastanley720

Trust Your Gut: How Intuition Can Protect You from Scammers

Your gut feeling is smarter than you think—and it might just protect you from scammers.

While con artists use convincing tricks, your intuition can pick up on subtle warning signs, even when your conscious mind can’t immediately explain them. That uneasy feeling? It’s worth listening to.

The Power of Instinct
Intuition is your brain processing subtle cues—like tone, hesitation, or inconsistencies—at lightning speed. Seniors, with their lifetime of experience, often have stronger intuition. You’ve encountered enough people and situations to recognize when something feels “off,” even if you can’t pinpoint why.

Red Flags Your Instinct Detects
In many scams, gut feelings raise the first red flag. Maybe a caller claims to be from the IRS, but their tone seems too casual. Or an online seller demands gift card payments, and something about it feels out of place or uncommon. It could be that the person on the other line seems too prepared, almost like they’re reading from a script. Your instincts are signaling caution—don’t ignore them.

Trust, But Verify
When your gut says “slow down,” listen. Scammers often push for rushed decisions. Take a moment to assess the situation. Ask clarifying questions—fraudsters tend to falter under scrutiny. When in doubt, end the communication and contact the organization in question directly.

Final Tip: Your instincts are a powerful defense, but combine them with due diligence. Verify identities, avoid impulsive decisions, and stay alert. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Trust your gut—it could help protect you from scammers.

✅ Stay sharp. Stay safe. For more content on spotting and avoiding scams, bookmark our blog.

by joshuastanley720

Beware CAPTCHA Scams: A Sneaky Scheme Disguised as Security

There’s a new trend gaining popularity among cybercriminals in the form of CAPTCHA scams.

Who among us hasn’t used one of these common digital security measures? They’re designed to stop bots from accessing websites and require us to prove we’re human.

While their premise is useful and they serve a worthwhile purpose, it’s their common and trusted nature that’s made them a tool some scammers have tried to weaponize.

How to Spot and Avoid Fake CAPTCHA Scams

A CAPTCHA is typically a simple command that a user must perform to prove they’re not a robot.

It can be as simple as checking a box. In some cases, however, they’re a bit more complex. Many CAPTCHAs ask people to identify objects in a photo, or turn a photo a certain direction. These are generally fine, and represent a standard security checkpoint.

The advancements in these security measures are designed to thwart bots, which are being programmed more intelligently. However, scammers understand that the public trusts CAPTCHAs. This is why they’ve created schemes designed to mimic them.

Common CAPTCHA scams will typically ask the user to enter commands, such as Win+R or CTRL+V. However, when the user inputs these keys, they’re actually pasting code into their computer’s Command Prompt, which will install malware.

As a general rule, be suspicious of CAPTCHAs on pages that don’t seem to need them. Unless you’re logging into a site or verifying your identity for security reasons, you likely won’t need a CAPTCHA. And even then, any directions to perform keyboard commands or copy and paste should be viewed as a scam.

More often than not, CAPTCHAs are safe. Especially if you’re simply checking a box, you’re good to go. But knowing how scammers weaponize these common security checkpoints into schemes can help you stay vigilant and stay safe.

Have you encountered any CAPTCHA scam attempts? Tell us about them. Be sure to follow our page for more news on scam avoidance.