By Barbara EJ Bennett, Chief Scambuster | Larimer County Sheriff’s Office
What tactics does a scammer use?
Scammers do not want you to be in your “logical thinking and rational reasoning’ mode. They want to tap into your emotions. Here are some of their tactics –
Emotion
Excitement, offering a free trial, free product, or service, monetary gain, lucrative investment opportunities, deposit this check, and give me the overage.
Fear your account has been compromised, threats of arrest or lawsuits, the grandchild is in trouble, subscription or purchase in your name.
Urgency First 100 can claim one. You have 24 hours to recover your account, your electricity will be turned off in 30 minutes, and law enforcement will be on their way to arrest you.
Trust Establishes legitimacy through fake reviews, recommendations, social media sites, fake websites, “I have made a lot of money through this investment,” fake profiles for online dating sites, and authority figures (law enforcement), “this crypto investment is solid.”
Need for companionship
Online profiles of people reaching out for companionship. Scammer “grooms” you and gains your trust to get money/personal information from you.
Limited supply Act fast – not many are available. This is a one-day offer.
Authority Respect for law and authority, credibility associated with law enforcement, government officials, and others in positions of authority.
REMEMBER: If you are reacting to an email, phone call,…
