Confidence tricks range from quick schemes to complex, multi-step scams. Some fraudsters spend weeks, or even months gaining their victims’ trust, only to steal their money or personal information.
In this article, we’ll explore what a confidence trick is and share some of the most iconic scam stories. Then we’ll learn how to spot these cons to keep your data and cash safe.
What is a Confidence Trick?
A confidence trick is a type of fraud when someone gains your trust and then screws you over for their own profit.
Also known as a con for short, the main idea is all about manipulating people’s psychology, using the victim’s emotions such as greed or fear to get them to trust the con artist.
Once they’ve got your trust, they begin convincing you to hand over your cash or personal info
In a typical con, the scammer pretends to befriend the victim but eventually betrays them. They use psychological tactics like copying the victim’s body language to seem more trustworthy or showing some flaws to appear relatable.
Scammers often target vulnerable people, like the elderly or those who are lonely.
With wide access to technology and the internet, it is easy for cons to create a believable website or social media profile these days. They typically disguise themselves as experts, potentially victimizing a broader online audience.
Cons can pretend to be renowned companies, celebrities, or even pose as people you know.
Hackers even use con tricks like creating fake software updates to get you to install malware,or pretending to be your bank to steal login details.
With money on the line, the creativity of these people know no bounds.
5 Iconic News Stories of Confidence Tricks
E-commerce Scams: From Deals to Steals
Fraudsters set up fake online stores, or post fraudulent listings on trusted marketplaces. These scams often involve phishing links or malware to steal the user’s personal information. In recent years, many have fallen prey to such tactics, losing significant amounts of money.
Love Scams Causing a S$15 Million Loss
According to CNA, with more than 380 victims in 2023 alone, love scams led to losses exceeding S$15 million. Scammers created fake profiles on dating sites or social media, quickly establishing relationships with their targets.
Impersonation Scams Fake Calls from Your Bank
Impersonation scams involve fraudsters posing as officials from reputable organizations, such as banks or government agencies. They contact victims via phone, email, or text, claiming there is an urgent issue requiring personal information or payment. Victims are often convinced to share sensitive data or make payments, believing they are dealing with legitimate entities.
Scammed by Fake Jobs
Scammers often pose as representatives from well-known companies or recruitment agencies, collecting personal information through fake job applications. In some cases, they request upfront payments for supposed processing fees, only to go off the grid once the payment is made.
Taylor Swift Concert Ticket Scam
A notable recent scam involved the sale of fake Taylor Swift concert tickets. Scammers advertised tickets on many platforms, redirecting interested buyers to WhatsApp or Telegram for further communication. Yahoo News reports that at least 334 victims fell prey and over S$213,000 had been lost to Taylor Swift concert ticket scams. This incident highlights the importance of purchasing tickets through authorized sellers to avoid such fraudulent activities.
These incidents show how there are many methods for scammers to conduct their corrupt schemes. To protect yourself, it’s important to stay alert and well-informed.
How to Protect Yourself from Confidence Tricks
Confidence tricks can catch anyone off guard, but knowing how to spot and avoid them can save you a lot of stress and money. Here are some tips to protect yourself from these scams:
Research the Company
Whenever someone offers you an amazing job or promises huge returns on an investment, do some research. Look up the company online and check its reviews. If it’s a pyramid scheme or a scam, there will be warning signs. Never invest in miracle companies with no track record but huge promises.
Strengthen Your Online Security
Keep your personal info safe. Update privacy settings on social media so strangers can’t access your details. When using public Wi-Fi, use a VPN to protect your online activity from hackers.
Authenticate Suspicious Emails or Popups
If you get a sketchy email or popup, don’t click any links. Instead, go to the company’s official website to verify it. Scammers often create fake websites to trick you into giving up personal information.
Watch Out for Urgent Messages
Scammers use urgency to make you act fast without thinking. If you get an urgent message, take a step back and verify it through official channels. Real companies won’t pressure you like that.
Disable Remote Access
Keep remote access disabled on your devices. Only allow it for people you trust. Scammers often use remote access to control your device and steal information.
Install Browser Protection
Use browser protection tools like Guardio. They scan websites and extensions for malicious code and block threats before they reach your device. This helps to catch phishing pages and other scams that can be hard to spot.
Use a VPN
When you’re online, a VPN helps encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address. This makes it harder for scammers to track your activities and steal your personal information. By using a VPN, you add an extra layer of protection against cybercriminals looking to exploit your data. This is especially useful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, which tend to be less secure.
By staying cautious and using these tips, you can better protect yourself from confidence tricks, keeping your information safe and secure.
Why Is A VPN One Of The Best Tools To Avoid Scams?
If you’re tired of dealing with online scams and want to protect yourself while surfing the web, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into why using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is one of the best ways to avoid getting scammed online.
VPN: an effective tool to avoid online scams
Hide Your IP Address
Your IP address is like your home address on the internet. Scammers can use it to track your location and even target you with specific attacks. A VPN masks your IP address, making it much harder for scammers to find you.
Encrypt Your Data
When you’re online, you’re constantly sending and receiving data. Scammers can intercept this data if it’s not encrypted. A VPN encrypts your data, turning it into unreadable code that only your intended recipient can decipher. This keeps your personal information, like passwords and credit card numbers, safe from prying eyes.
Access Blocked Websites Safely
Some scammers create fake websites that look just like real ones to steal your information. These sites can be hard to distinguish from the real thing.
When legitimate websites are blocked in certain regions, scammers might take advantage of this by creating fake websites that mimic the real ones, tricking users into providing sensitive information.
Using a VPN can help you access the legitimate websites even if they are blocked in your region, ensuring you’re visiting the real deal.
To avoid falling for fake websites, always check the URL carefully and use security tools like antivirus software.
Secure Public Wi-Fi Connections
Public Wi-Fi is super convenient but also super risky. Scammers often set up fake Wi-Fi networks in public places to steal your information. A VPN secures your connection even on public Wi-Fi, making sure your data stays protected.
Avoid Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are when scammers send fake emails or messages to trick you into giving away personal information. With a VPN, your online activity is more private, reducing the chances of scammers targeting you with these kinds of attacks.
Block Tracking and Ads
Ever notice how ads seem to follow you around the internet? That’s because you’re being tracked. Scammers use this tracking to gather information about you. A VPN blocks these trackers, keeping your online activity private and reducing the risk of targeted scams.
Bypass Geographical Restrictions
Some scammers target people based on their location. With a VPN, you can change your virtual location, making it harder for scammers to figure out where you are and tailor their attacks accordingly.
How to Set Up a VPN to Stay Safe from Scams ?
If you’re ready to protect yourself from online scams with a VPN, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up TurisVPN on different devices. Let’s get started:
Set Up TurisVPN on a PC/ Chrome Extension
- Step 1: Visit the TurisVPN website to download the TurisVPN app/ get the web extension.
- Step 2: Sign up for an account by filling out the required information: username, email address, and password.
- Step 3: Get the verification code from your email and verify your account.
- Step 4: (Optional) Turn on 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) for added security.
- Step 5: Enjoy the TurisVPN service and browse safely.
Set Up TurisVPN on Mobile
- Step 1: Go to Google Play Store/ App Store on your mobile phone to install TurisVPN app.
- Step 2: Sign up for an account by filling out the required information: username, email address, and password.
- Step 3: Get the verification code from your email and verify your account.
- Step 4: (Optional) Turn on 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) for added security.
- Step 5: Enjoy the TurisVPN service and browse safely.
Bottom line
Scammers employ various tactics to gain your trust and exploit you for money or personal information. By familiarizing yourself with confidence tricks and drawing insights from notable scam stories, you can remain vigilant and safeguard yourself from their deceptive schemes.
