Trust me, you can't trust anyone.

We all get contacted by strangers on social media. Recently I was approached by someone on Bluesky portending to be a Ukrainian soldier. In a series of direct messages, the individual asked me to financially support Ukraine, claimed that organizations recommended by the US Government were ineffective in aiding the frontline, requested that I send money directly to him, and proposed moving our conversation to Telegram. Note that Telegram has end-to-end encryption while Bluesky direct messages do not. This person may have been legitimate, but I was not willing to take the chance.

In today's digital age, online scams have become a burgeoning industry, constantly evolving, and adapting to new technologies. The advent of generative AI has dramatically expanded the scammer's toolkit, enabling the creation of convincing fake voices, manipulated images and deceptive videos. This technological leap has significantly broadened the spectrum of potential scams, making it increasingly challenging for individuals to protect themselves.

While there are numerous technical measures and specific guidelines available to safeguard against online fraud (some included in the links below), this article takes a different approach. The primary focus will be on cultivating a protective mindset and developing habits that can serve as a robust defence against scams. These psychological and behavioural strategies complement technical safeguards, creating a more comprehensive shield against online deception. By adopting the right mentality and practices, you can significantly enhance your ability to recognize and avoid scams, even as they become more sophisticated and varied.

The most crucial realization in protecting yourself against scams is acknowledging your own vulnerability. No one is inherently safe from being scammed. Anyone, regardless of intelligence or experience, can fall victim and believing you are immune increases your risk. Other factors that can make you more susceptible to scams include: an increased online presence, personal vulnerability (e.g., going through difficult life events), youth or social isolation, financial instability, boredom, or thrill-seeking behaviour.

Scammers are highly skilled at identifying individual vulnerabilities, tailoring their approach to exploit specific weaknesses, and manipulating emotions and circumstances to their advantage. Recognizing your own potential vulnerabilities and remaining vigilant, especially during high-risk periods, is crucial in maintaining a strong defence.

Beyond recognizing your own vulnerability, adopting a cautious approach to online interactions is crucial. As the title suggests, "Trust me, you can't trust anyone" – this paradoxical statement encapsulates a key principle in protecting yourself online. When dealing with individuals you have only encountered online you should always maintain a level of suspicion and be on the alert for the following red flags:

• Unsolicited requests for money for emergencies or crises
• Urgency and pressure to act before you can consider, verify, or consult
• Too good to be true offers that only they can introduce
• Requests for any personal information
• Shifting platforms to encrypted apps
• Any form of emotional manipulation
• An inability to verify the person, organisation, or transaction details
• Any request for secrecy or withholding information from family or friends
• Rapid trust-building including declarations of love or deep friendship
• Negative reactions to expressions of doubt or caution
• Introductions to cryptocurrency exchanges or transactions.

Apart from healthy scepticism, there are others ways in which you can protect yourself including:

• Always talking to family or friends before carrying out an online transaction with a new person or organization
• Always carrying out your due diligence on a new person, the organization, the transaction
• Never letting yourself be rushed so that you cannot consult with family or friends and do your due diligence
• Not being afraid of missing out on a too true to be good offer – the hint is in the name
• Not being afraid to suffer a small embarrassment to avoid a bigger one - if you have done something which you regret take a little pain now to avoid a bigger one later
• Getting out as soon as someone starts to exert control over you – again this will only get worse over time
• Never thinking it is too late to turn to family or friends for advice - they are likely to be much more understanding than you fear and telling someone will be a great relief
• Being extra careful on apps which are end-to-end encrypted as scammers want to stay in the dark
• Being extra careful regarding cryptocurrency as scammers like the anonymity and global accessibility
• Agreeing a family code word to prove your identity in case of fake voice or video calls – alternatively you can use family anecdotes that no-one else could possibly know.

If you found this article informative, consider sharing it with your network and initiating a conversation with family and friends about the key points discussed. Just as you would not leave your home unlocked, even in a safe neighbourhood, it is essential to secure your online presence. Social media platforms, where we spend a significant amount of time, are not inherently safe. Take proactive steps to "lock your virtual door" by adopting the strategies outlined above to protect yourself from online threats.

Useful links.

https://japanantifraud.org/

https://bigpayme.com/blog/11-most-common-types-of-online-scams-and-tips-to-protect-yourself-from-it/

https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/protect-yourself-from-fraud/protecting-against-online-fraud/

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/protect-yourself-from-online-scams-and-attacks-0109ae3f-fe61-4262-8dce-2ee3cd43bac7

https://www.keepersecurity.com/blog/2023/11/28/the-types-of-online-scams/

https://www.fdic.gov/consumer-resource-center/2021-10/avoiding-scams-and-scammers

https://www.accc.gov.au/about-us/publications/the-little-book-of-scams

https://aag-it.com/the-latest-cyber-crime-statistics/