Easy
What is Scammer?
A scammer , sometimes designated as a scamper or fraudster , is a person who seeks to extract money, goods or personal information using deception. It can act by phone, by email, on social networks or via any other connected platform. The idea is to convince his target to voluntarily give something (money, bank details, access codes, etc.) without realizing that this is an illegal maneuver. Victims can be individuals, businesses, associations, and these fraudsters know how to exploit everyone's flaws.
Table of contents
The first bases to identify a scammer
To fully understand what an online crook social engineering . It is a set of techniques where the fraudster takes on the appearance of a person or a trust institution in order to push the victim to deliver sensitive data (passwords, banking information, etc.). The Scammer is often based on emergency or compassion to arouse a rapid reaction, which prevents the victim from thinking calmly.
In addition, the evolution of new technologies - smartphones, social networks, instant messaging, videoconferencing platforms - has opened many doors to these criminals. Today, with simple internet access, it is possible to swindle one person on the other side of the world. This is why understanding this phenomenon is crucial for anyone sailing on the web, whatever their familiarity with digital.
What is the scammer: plunged into the world of scams, why so many varieties?
Online frauds are not limited to a single model. Criminals constantly adapt to available tools and user reactions. Some scams are very technically sophisticated, others are betting on emotion. Here are the big domains where we often find activities related to the scammers :
Classic areas of application
- PHISHING : This term, sometimes called "phishing", designates any attempt to obtain confidential information by pretending to be a legitimate organization (bank, administration, telephone operator, etc.).
- Fraud 419 : also called Nigerian scam, it consists in promising a colossal sum of money to the victim. In exchange, it must put forward various costs (taxes, notary fees, etc.). Obviously, the promised money does not exist.
- Scam with feelings : via dating sites or social networks, the Scammer gains the confidence of the victim by declaring his flame, then quickly requires money (plane ticket, medical problem, etc.).
- False technical support : the fraudster contacts you by pretending to be a Microsoft or Apple technician, declares that you have detected a virus on your computer and makes you pay for often high sums for a fictitious service.
- Flight of bank cards : by hacking sites or sending false emails, the scammer recovers your bank data to make purchases or resell this information.
All these methods have one thing in common: they play on the confidence and ignorance of their targets. According to the 2022 report of the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) of the FBI , phishing and the scam with false technical supports are among the two most widespread categories of fraud, with hundreds of thousands of complaints per year.
From traditional finance to decentralized finance
Decentralized finance ( or DEFI ) particularly attracts the attention of cyber-slices . Through cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum , etc.), many users seek to invest , sometimes without perfectly understanding the risks. The Scammers know how to take advantage of this ignorance. For example, they offer:
- false (Initial Coin Offerings) : presentation of a new crypto project promising enormous yields. Participants send their digital currencies to buy the new tokens ... which simply disappear.
- From scams to the Rug Pull : the developers of a crypto project first harvest investors' money, then brutally close the platform, carrying all funds.
- False Airdrops : the goal is to make a free tokens' gift believe. To claim them, you will be asked for your secret sentence or your Wallet identifiers, which leads to a direct flight from your assets.
Furthermore, there are also nft , these digital certificates considered unique. In the euphoria of the moment, some people buy at gold prices from the NFT who have no real value or have their private keys stolen by a crook playing the card of the pressed seller. Thus, the scam phenomenon affects both conventional banking operations and decentralized finance transactions.
Scammer is what: the psychological mechanisms used by the scammers
A scammer does not always need great technical know-how to succeed in: it is often enough to exploit human psychology. Here are some of the most common psychological levers:
1. The emergency
In most online fraud , there is a feeling of urgency. For example, an email claims that your bank account will be closed if you do not react "within 24 hours". Panic, we then click on a fraudulent link, and the gear begins.
2. The reward or the unexpected gain
This is the principle of the gift or the lottery. A message announces that you have won a state -of -the -art phone or a gain of several thousand euros. To receive it, simply pay small cases. This exceptional gain promise is a very powerful psychological spring.
3. Empathy or compassion
Some scammers tell a moving story (family in difficulty, sick child, political problems in their country) and request financial aid. The elderly and those particularly sensitive to human distress are the most affected by these messages.
4. Flatterie
Those who practice the Nigerian scam or the Romance Scam on dating sites bet on flattery and the feeling of being loved or important. They create a very strong emotional connection and benefit from the emotional vulnerability of their target.
What is Scammer: how to protect yourself effectively?
There is no infallible method, but the association of good knowledge and certain reflexes considerably limits the risk. Here are some tips:
Pay attention to unusual requests
A serious person will not ask you to pay an advance service, will not require you to use poorly traceable payment methods (transfer by Western Union, prepaid coupons, etc.) and will not seek to know your confidential codes. In doubt, it is better to contact the organization directly in question via a number found yourself.
Analyze the sender's email address
Many malicious emails emanate from bizarre addresses or have obvious faults (ex: [Email Protected] instead of [Email Protected] ). For emails that seem doubtful, check every detail and compare with official communications from the banks or services concerned.
Train and share information
The crooks are betting on the fact that their victims do not share their experience. On the contrary, if you chat with your loved ones (family, friends, neighbors) of current threats, everyone is vigilant. Certain structures such as cybermalveillance.gouv.fr in France, or consumer associations, regularly publish guides and alerts on fraud in circulation.
Maintain your equipment up to date
IT viruses and other malware is sometimes used to intercept your connection data. So be sure to update your computer, smartphone and install a trusted antivirus. This applies as much to navigation on conventional sites as to the use of crypto portfolios, where security remains essential.
Use solid and unique passwords
Do not use the same password on all sites is basic protection. If a scammer discovers your Gmail password, it should not be able to access your bank account or your Wallet Crypto. Authentication with two factors (2FA) is also a very effective tool.
Scammer is what: the figures that demonstrate the extent of the phenomenon
Statistics confirm that we are all potential targets:
- FBI IC3 report , more than 800,000 complaints for online scam were identified only in the United States, for total damage exceeding $ 10 billion.
- According to the Europol organization, fraud 419 still represents an important part of complaints in Europe, although it also takes modernized forms (false trading , deffi scams, etc.).
- In 2021, the Cipheruce consulting firm published a report indicating that more than $ 1.9 billion was lost in scams linked to cryptocurrencies , a figure in high progression compared to the previous year.
Scammer is what: decentralized finance, why scams are frequent there
DEFI sector ( Decentralized Finance ), the lack of regulation and the relative anonymity of certain protocols facilitate the task of fraudsters . Indeed, a project can be launched quickly, without there being rigorous controls, and relying on extravagant promises of returns. To this are added:
- The technical aspect: the blockchain, the smart contract , the configuration of the wallets ... All this may seem obscure to a new investor.
- The lack of legal supervision: depending on the country, regulations on cryptocurrencies are still vague, even non -existent.
- The effect of “ FOMO ” ( fear of missing out ): the fear of missing a unique opportunity encourages some to invest without making serious checks.
Result: the scammers create sites in a few days, quickly attract investors, then disappear with the funds (we often speak of rug in sweater or exit sweater ). This affects both young people who are registered as older and older people, seduced by publications on social networks praising the incredible potential of cryptocurrencies, however it is it.
What is: specific examples of scams and operating modes
False inheritance
A scammer pretends to be a foreign notary, explaining that you are the only descendant of a wealthy deceased. To unlock the millions, he asks you to pay laws for lawyers or certification. As soon as you pay, the crook disappears. This “inheritance lottery” is a more elaborate version of fraud 419.
Gift or coupon card scam
The Scammer claims to be a loved one in difficulty or an official organization and requires that you immediately regulate costs by buying coupons (Apple, Google Play, Amazon, etc.). Once the codes are transmitted, you will never see money again. Payment methods by coupon are particularly popular because they allow almost total anonymity.
Scam with false real estate or stock markets
Some criminals pretend to be approved brokers, offer you a placement in real estate or on actions of large companies with unrealistic guaranteed yields (e.g. 15 % per month). After a few payments, the contact cuts. This system is sometimes akin to a pyramid in Ponzi, where old investors are remunerated thanks to the money from new subscribers, until the collapse of the diagram.
Sextrusions
By an email, the crook claims to have hacked your webcam and recorded compromising images. He threatens to distribute them to your whole repertoire if you do not pay a ransom in cryptocurrency. In most cases, no video really exists, but fear encourages victims to pay.
What is what: good practices to avoid falling into the trap
Better to prevent than cure. Several reflexes can save you the bet:
Check the authenticity of the sites before any payment
If you receive an email from your bank containing a link, do not click on it. Type the address of the bank's official website yourself in your browser. On merchant or service sites, check that they have a safety certificate (address starting with HTTPS and padlock icon in the bar). Also read the opinions of other users or consult the specialized forums. However, opinions are not always arguments of authority: many sites are victims of false negative opinions from competitors to make them a bad reputation. The information of several sources should be met.
Never give your secret sentence or private keys
For those who make decentralized finance , this is the number one rule. No serious platform, no support technician will ask you for the recovery sentence or the private key to your crypto portfolio. If you reveal it, you open the door to all your assets.
Keep track of any suspicious exchange
Keep emails, SMS, screenshots. If you come to receive a doubtful message, you can communicate this evidence to the authorities or the cybersecurity assistance teams. It is possible, in some cases, to trace the source of a scammer and to limit its fraudulent activities.
Contact the competent authorities
In France, entities such as TheSee platform (harmonized treatment of surveys and reports for e-escroqueries) make it possible to file a complaint for online fraud . In other countries, there are official sites where to denounce the scams. Returns and complaints strengthen surveys and help challenge the criminals.
Scammer is what: the role of awareness among seniors
The elderly are often targets of choice for a crook , as they sometimes have less familiarity with online tools and warning signs. It is essential to multiply information campaigns in retirement homes, senior clubs and through associations. Even some explanations on how to spot a doubtful e-mail can make a big difference.
Certain organizations such as France Services (in France) or AARP (in the United States) regularly organize initiation sessions to teach seniors to use Internet safely. It is a crucial proactive approach to limit the impact of these fraudsters .
What is SCAMMER ultimately? A protean danger
The scammers are adaptable, creative and know how to enter where they are not expected. Whether we talk about simple false banking emails, targeted phishing scams on social networks or pointed scams in crypto-finance , they all seek to exploit the good faith or the curiosity of their target.
Vigilance is not innate. We learn over time, by multiplying security measures and dialoguing around you. It is not a question of becoming paranoid, but rather of understanding the basic mechanisms: nobody will never give you a fortune without reason, you must never rush on a doubtful link, and we must verify the authenticity of what we are told.
Conclusion: Stay cautious to enjoy the Internet without fear
In the end, what is a scammer ? It is an individual (or a group) who uses cunning to make you do something you would have never done with your own free will. Whether for financial fraud , data theft, money laundering or simply to scam the most vulnerable, the principle remains the same.
Fortunately, there are several “shields”:
- Knowledge: Knowing how to recognize the main forms of SCAM.
- Reasonable distrust: check the information, do not rush, avoid transactions that are too beautiful to be true.
- Safety tools: antivirus, software updates, double authentication.
- Sharing experience: to talk about scam attempts, alert relatives, report to the competent authorities.
Internet, decentralized networks and finance are all spaces that are full of opportunities, but they also host scammers . By taking the time to train and adopt some basic reflexes, everyone can fully enjoy the digital world without fear of being fooled.
Thus, you are not condemned to become a victim. Thanks to information and some good reflexes, you can sail serenely on the Internet or take part in the Defi . And if a doubt persists, never hesitate to ask a loved one, an official customer service or to contact the organization concerned. Better to find out once too much than fall into the trap of a scammer .
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Yohan Uzzan
Training engineer, I quickly became interested in the field of finance. Convinced that decentralized finance has a bright future ahead of it, I participate in its democratization by developing Crypternon.
