Scams - Are You Sure They Could Never Fool You?

Scams are common these days. However, scammers can only scam you with your cooperation. You are not to blame, but you do leave yourself vulnerable. Let’s look at the psychology behind scammers, successful scams, and victims of scams in Canada.

Personality Traits of A Scammer

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a continuum from mild to severe. Sociopaths suffer from ASPD. Those who come in contact with sociopaths experience the effects and consequences of their ASPD.

Sociopaths can be charming and witty, but honesty is not generally one of their personality traits. They will tell you what you want to hear to get what they want from you. Due to their apparent charm, they are good at manipulation. They have little regard for others and care less about what people think of them. They are in it for themselves only. Once they have achieved their goal, they move on to their next challenge. They have no empathy or remorse for their actions or how they have hurt others.

Scammers are con artists, plain and simple. They fit the definition of a sociopath very well. They know what they want, develop a relationship with someone who can make it happen, and pursue the victim.

Personality Traits of a Scam Victim

So, you think you’re too smart to fall for a scam? Intelligence has nothing to do with it. A competent con artist can scam anyone. It has much more to do with their personality than yours. They hold the power. They can manipulate you into thinking they have, or have access to, something you need or want. And they play you to get what they want.

Some people are more susceptible to scams than others. It depends on their specific vulnerability at the time they are approached. Several situations can contribute to this vulnerability. Relationship issues, financial problems, loneliness, greed, etc., can make you susceptible to whatever the scammer is proposing.

Scammers often target the elderly because many of life’s issues, as stated above, might be true simultaneously as a person ages. Also, older adults are often more trusting. They have seen a lot in their lifetimes but don’t realize they haven’t seen it all. The scammer may threaten them with the idea that some harm has, or will come, to their loved ones. They see it as their familial duty to respond or cooperate with the scammer.

Popular and Successful Scams in Canada

Scams are widespread these days. Many years ago, scammers made initial contact through home telephones or the postal service. Then came computer technology and email. I have received several emails throughout the years from the infamous Nigerian Prince who wanted to share his fortune with me, adopt me, or some other such nonsense. We’ll talk more about the Prince later.

With the popularity of social media, scammers and their scams have reached more people than ever before. They also benefit from the fact that so many people think everything they read on social media is the absolute truth—those who believe that are more than just a little gullible.

So, let’s look at some common, successful scams available in Canada that originated from anywhere in the world.

Emergency Scam

This scam is also known as the Grandparent Scam. It generally targets older adults, and hearing disability contributes to its success. Someone phones claiming to be their grandchild. Due to poor hearing or static on the phone line, they think this could be their grandchild calling.

The scammer has rehearsed a situation where the grandchild has an emergency or legal problem and needs money immediately. The made-up situation usually involves the police to make it sound authentic. Surprisingly, many grandparents have fallen victim to this scam and sent the requested money.

Tech Support

I’m sure we have all experienced technical issues with our computers at one time or another. We’ve also been exposed to ridiculous wait times to talk to a technician to resolve our issues. So, how unlikely is it that a technician would phone to let you know that you have a problem you weren’t even aware of?

Well, this is undoubtedly a scam. The way this scam works is you get an urgent phone call or email telling you that your computer has been infected with a virus. The caller needs your ID to remove the virus you didn’t know you had. Suppose you are trusting enough to give up the requested ID. In that case, the caller may hijack your computer, gaining access to all your passwords and financial information. Reputable companies don’t operate that way.

Home Repair Fraud

This scam involves a phone call offering needed repairs to your house at an unbelievably reduced price. Since everyone wants to save money, the offer sounds tempting. Roofing is one of the most common repairs on offer here. Roof repairs after a severe storm can be expensive, and replacement can be even more costly.

The initial part of the scam involves getting your credit card information to collect a significant deposit. If this is successful, the company could do the work, but not satisfactorily. How would you know unless the roof leaks? Most people can’t go up on the roof to inspect it for themselves. Anyway, it’s too late as you’ve already paid for the work.

CRA-Related Scams

For those of you who don’t know, CRA is the acronym for the Canadian Revenue Service. It is the Canadian Federal Government Agency whose primary function, among others, is to collect income taxes. Most people would become a little nervous receiving an unsolicited call from the CRA, and rightly so. The purpose of this scam is to either get as much of your ID as possible or have you send them money.

The worst-case scenario may involve a threatening call stating that you owe money and must pay it immediately, or they will begin legal action against you. Scammers can be persuasive, and the call display may indicate that the call is coming from the CRA. The good news is that the CRA does not operate in this way. Also, verification of a government agency is a straightforward process. Therefore, this scam should never be successful, but it often is.

Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are fishing for valuable ID information. They use your ID to steal your identity. Obtaining ID is the goal of many scams because a lot of illegal activity is possible using stolen or fake IDs. It can be for something as simple as getting an underage person into a bar, applying for credit cards in someone else’s name, or illegal immigration. Reputable companies do not ask for personal or financial information in emails or over the phone.

Fake Immigration Websites

Applying to immigrate to Canada or other Western countries can be a long and frustrating process. Once the applicants have decided to emigrate from their country, they want it to happen as soon as possible.

So, scammers have found ways to trick immigrants into giving up money to speed up the process. However, nothing can or will make any government move faster. The process is what it is; you just have to be patient. Lack of patience is a perfect introduction to this scam.

Scammers set up fake websites that claim to be associated with the government. They offer, for a significant fee, guarantees to speed up the process and other enticing guarantees. These could include discount travel, accommodations, and even employment upon arrival. But none of it is true. Neither governments nor associations can offer those kinds of guarantees.

Sweepstakes

For many years, my wife received confirmation that she was getting closer to winning a sweepstake. A sweepstake is a form of gambling where many participants contribute, so few can win. To become eligible to win this sweepstake, you had to purchase several monthly magazine subscriptions.

The contest rules stated no purchase was necessary, but that was a lie. Every month, my wife would receive the contest information, saying she was on the list to win, but she never did. We finally purchased a couple of magazine subscriptions, and the winning notices stopped coming. The company got what they wanted and didn’t need us anymore. The magazines were pretty good, so it was a relatively harmless scam.

Information Extortion Scams

Many people have their whole lives on their electronics. We record and save our family pictures, all our financial information and transactions, and some even store their personal health information on their computers or phones. Do you remember anyone’s phone number? Probably not because we store them all on our cell phones. There’s no longer a need to memorize them.

It would be a disaster if we lost all of this information. We are so dependent on the data stored in our electronics. Recovering it all would be difficult, time-consuming, and some might even be impossible.

It’s another perfect opportunity for a scammer. Have you ever received an email from someone saying they have hacked into your computer or cell phone? The email continues that they will activate a virus in your laptop or cell phone to wipe it clean if you don’t spend significant money in a specified time. Panic sets in, and money goes out.

Greed or Fear

Most scams prey on either your greed or your fear. A famous saying guides you in dealing with greed: “If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is.” I fell for a scam a few years ago due to greed. A company based in China was advertising expensive guitars online at about 20% of their usual retail cost. I always wanted a quality guitar, so at this price, I decided to get one for myself and one for my youngest daughter.

I paid about $275 with my credit card. As soon as I sent the payment, I regretted it. But then I thought the worst that could happen would be that the two guitars would be knockoffs. I waited patiently for delivery and sent a couple of enquiry emails. The company assured me that my guitars were on their way. Then, one day, the website disappeared without warning—no guitars for Craig.

How to Avoid Scams

Most of the following is common sense. Thinking before you act should keep you safe from scams.

Keep all your personal and banking information and passwords to yourself.
Use PayPal for all online purchases. It provides an extra layer of security, as the vendor doesn’t see your credit card.
Don’t answer the phone if you don’t recognize the number on your call display. If it’s important, the caller will leave a message.
Don’t click on suspicious links in emails, even if you know who originated the email. The sender may have been hacked.
If in doubt about a deal or situation, run it by a trusted family member or friend before making a decision.
If you receive an email from a Nigerian Prince or some other foreign government official offering to send you money, just smile and delete the email immediately.

Disclaimer: This post does not intend or imply offence against Nigerians, princes, or a combination thereof.

And Now For Your Listening Enjoyment

Here is the Temptations singing their 1971 hit “Smiling Faces Sometimes“. It is one of the best recordings to come out of Motown. It talks about the masks people wear and how they are not always what they seem.

Lyrics

"Smiling Faces Sometimes"
Recorded by The Temptations (1971)
Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong

Smiling faces sometimes pretend to be your friend
Smiling faces show no traces of the evil that lurks within
Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
They don't tell the truth, uh
Smiling faces, smiling faces
Tell lies and I got proof

The truth is in the eyes
'Cause the eyes don't lie, amen
Remember a smile is just
A frown turned upside down
My friend let me tell you

Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
They don't tell the truth, uh
Smiling faces, smiling faces
Tell lies and I got proof

Beware, beware of the handshake
That hides the snake
I'm telling you beware
Beware of the pat on the back
It just might hold you back
Jealousy (jealousy)
Misery (misery)
Envy I tell you, you can't see behind smiling faces

Smiling faces sometimes they don't tell the truth
Smiling faces, smiling faces
Tell lies and I got proof

Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
They don't tell the truth
Smiling faces, smiling faces
Tell lies and I got proof

Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes

I'm telling you beware, beware of the handshake
That hides the snake
Listen to me now, beware
Beware of that pat on the back
It just might hold you back

Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
They don't tell the truth
Smiling faces, smiling faces
Tell lies and I got proof

Your enemy won't do you no harm
'Cause you'll know where he's coming from
Don't let the handshake and the smile fool ya
Take my advice I'm only tryin' to school ya

Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
They don't tell the truth
Smiling faces, smiling faces
Tell lies and I got proof

Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
They don't tell the truth
Smiling faces, smiling faces
Tell lies and I got proof

Beware, beware of the handshake
That hides the snake

The impossible task is to figure out
Which of the smiles is a mask
Think about it
Did you hear?
The impossible task
Is to figure out
Which of the smiles
Is a mask

Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
Don't show the truth
Smiling faces, smiling faces
Tell lies and I got proof

Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes

Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
Don't show the truth
Smiling faces, smiling faces
Tell lies, lies, lies and I got proof

Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes

Which of the smiles is a mask
The impossible task is to figure out
Which of the smiles is a mask
The impossible task is to figure out
Which of the smiles is a mask
The impossible task is to figure out
Which of the smiles is a mask
The impossible task is to figure out
Which of the smiles is a mask

The above essay is for entertainment and English language study only. For suggestions on how to use this post to improve your English reading and listening comprehension, click here.

Vocabulary

scams – noun pl, North American slang; a trick or swindle; a fraud; fake story to take money or personal information from someone
vulnerable – adjective; able to be physically or emotionally hurt; easily hurt
continuum – noun; anything seen as having a continuous structure without perceptibly distinct parts; continuous from one extreme to another
sociopath – noun; a person with a personality disorder manifesting itself in extremely anti-social attitudes and behaviour; a person with little or no concern for other people
empathy – noun; the power of identifying oneself mentally with a person or object; understanding the feelings of another
remorse – noun; deep regret for a wrong committed; truly sorry for actions that hurt someone
play – transitive verb; regard (a person) as (something specified) (played me for a fool); to take advantage of someone
susceptible – adjective; likely to be affected by; easily influenced
simultaneously – adverb; occurring or operating at the same time; at the same time
familial – adjective; characteristic of a family or its members; loyalty to one’s family
infamous – adjective; well-known for being bad, wicked, etc.; famous in a bad way
authentic – adjective; of undisputed origin; genuine; the real thing
hijack – transitive verb; take over by force; take over by force
acronym – noun; a word usu. pronounced as such, formed from the initial letters of other words; an abbreviation using the first letter of each word
verification – noun; the process or an instance of establishing the truth or validity of something; confirming that something is true
immigrate – intransitive verb; come as a permanent resident to a country other than one’s native land; to arrive in a new country to live permanently
emigrate – intransitive verb; leave one’s own country to settle in another; to leave your country permanently to live in another country
enticing – adjective; lure or attract by the offer of pleasure or reward; something that you really want (in this context)
activate – transitive verb; make active; bring into action; make happen
knockoffs – noun pl; a copy or imitation made esp. for commercial gain; a copy of a famous or expensive product

Comprehension Questions

Do you know anyone who you think may be a sociopath?
Yes or No
Have you ever been scammed?
Yes or No
Are family relationships very important in your country or culture?
Yes or No
Has the infamous Nigerian Prince ever emailed you?
Yes or No
What is the primary function of the CRA in Canada?
(a) immigration (b) repairing roads, (c) collection of income tax, or (d) the prison system
In phishing scams, what are the scammers fishing for?
(a) trout, (b) salmon, (c) tuna (d) your personal information
How many guitars do you have?
Do you have a PayPal account?

Answers

Resources

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