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What is a scammer?
A scammer , sometimes called a fraudster or con artist , is someone who seeks to extract money, goods, or personal information through deception. They may operate via telephone, email, social media, or any other online platform. The goal is to convince their target to willingly give away something (money, bank details, access codes, etc.) without realizing it's an illegal scheme. Victims can be individuals, businesses, or organizations, and these fraudsters are adept at exploiting the vulnerabilities of each.
Table of contents
The basics for identifying a scammer
To fully understand what an online scammer social engineering . This refers to a set of techniques where the fraudster impersonates a trusted person or institution to trick the victim into handing over sensitive data (passwords, banking information, etc.). The scammer often relies on urgency or compassion to elicit a quick response, preventing the victim from thinking clearly.
Furthermore, the evolution of new technologies—smartphones, social networks, instant messaging, video conferencing platforms—has opened numerous doors for these criminals. Today, with simple internet access, it is possible to scam someone on the other side of the world. This is why understanding this phenomenon is crucial for anyone browsing the web, regardless of their level of digital literacy.
What is Scammer: A dive into the world of scams, why so many varieties?
Online fraud is n't limited to a single model. Criminals are constantly adapting to available tools and user reactions. Some scams are highly sophisticated technically, while others rely more on emotional manipulation. Here are the main areas where scammer activity is frequently found :
Typical application areas
- Phishing : this term, sometimes called "phishing", refers to any attempt to obtain confidential information by impersonating a legitimate organization (bank, administration, telephone operator, etc.).
- 419 fraud : also known as the Nigerian scam, it involves promising a huge sum of money to the victim. In exchange, the victim is asked to pay various fees upfront (taxes, notary fees, etc.). Of course, the promised money never exists.
- Romance scam : via dating sites or social networks, the scammer gains the victim's trust by declaring their love, then quickly asks for money (plane ticket, medical problem, etc.).
- Fake technical support : the fraudster contacts you pretending to be a Microsoft or Apple technician, claims to have detected a virus on your computer and makes you pay often high sums for a fictitious service.
- Bank card theft : by hacking websites or sending fake emails, the scammer obtains your bank details to make purchases or resell this information.
All these methods have one thing in common: they prey on the trust and ignorance of their targets. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) 2022 report , phishing and tech support scams 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 ) is particularly attractive to cybercriminals Many users seek to invest through cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum sometimes without fully understanding the risks. Scammers know how to exploit this lack of knowledge. For example, they offer:
- Fake ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings) : a new crypto project is presented promising huge returns. Participants send their digital currencies to buy the new tokens… which simply disappear.
- Rug pull scams : the developers of a crypto project first collect money from investors, then abruptly shut down the platform, taking all the funds with them.
- Fake airdrops : the goal is to trick you into believing you're getting free tokens. To claim them, you'll be asked for your secret phrase or wallet , resulting in the outright theft of your assets.
Furthermore, scams involving NFTs , these digital certificates considered unique, also exist. In the heat of the moment, some people buy NFTs at exorbitant prices, even though they have no real value, or have their private keys stolen by a scammer feigning urgency. Thus, this type of fraud affects both traditional banking operations and decentralized finance transactions.
What is a scammer? The psychological mechanisms used by scammers
A scammer doesn't always need advanced technical skills to succeed; often, exploiting human psychology is enough. Here are some of the most common psychological tactics:
1. The urgency
In most online scams , there's a sense of urgency. For example, an email might claim that your bank account will be closed if you don't respond "within 24 hours." Panicked, you then click on a fraudulent link, and the trap is sprung.
2. The unexpected reward or gain
It's the same principle as a gift or a lottery. A message announces that you've won a state-of-the-art phone or a prize of several thousand euros. To receive it, you simply pay a small processing fee. This promise of an exceptional prize is a very powerful psychological trigger.
3. Empathy or compassion
Some scammers tell a moving story (family in difficulty, sick child, political problems in their country) and ask for financial assistance. The elderly and those particularly sensitive to human suffering are the most affected by these messages.
4. Flattery
Those who practice Nigerian scams or romance scams on dating sites rely on flattery and the feeling of being loved or important. They create a very strong emotional connection and take advantage of their target's emotional vulnerability.
What is a scammer? How to protect yourself effectively?
There is no foolproof method, but combining sound knowledge with certain reflexes significantly reduces the risk. Here are a few tips:
Pay attention to unusual requests
A reputable organization will not ask you to pay for a service upfront, will not require you to use untraceable payment methods (Western Union transfers, prepaid vouchers, etc.), and will not try to obtain your confidential information. If you have any doubts, it is best to contact the organization directly using a phone number you find yourself.
Analyze the sender's email address
Many malicious emails come from unusual addresses or contain obvious errors (e.g., support@m1cr0s0ft.net instead of support@microsoft.com). For emails that seem suspicious, check every detail and compare them with official communications from the banks or services in question.
To train and share information
Scammers prey on the fact that their victims don't share their experiences. On the contrary, if you discuss common threats with those close to you (family, friends, neighbors), everyone becomes more vigilant. Organizations such as Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr in France, or consumer associations, regularly publish guides and alerts about current scams.
Keep your equipment up to date
Computer viruses and other malware are sometimes used to intercept your login data. Therefore, be sure to update your computer and smartphone and install a reliable antivirus program. This applies to browsing traditional websites as well as using crypto wallets, where security remains paramount.
Use strong and unique passwords
Using a different password on all sites is a basic security measure. If a scammer discovers your Gmail password, they shouldn't be able to access your bank account or crypto wallet. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is also a very effective tool.
What is a scammer? The figures that demonstrate the scale of the phenomenon
Statistics confirm that we are all potential targets:
- According to the FBI's IC3 report for 2022 , more than 800,000 complaints of online fraud were recorded in the United States alone, for a total loss exceeding $10 billion.
- According to Europol, 419 fraud still represents a significant portion of complaints in Europe, although it also takes on modernized forms (fake trading , DeFi scams, etc.).
- In 2021, the consulting firm CipherTrace published a report indicating that more than $1.9 billion was lost in cryptocurrency-related scams , a figure that was significantly higher than the previous year.
What is a scammer? Decentralized finance, why scams are frequent
In the DeFi ( Decentralized Finance ) sector, the lack of regulation and the relative anonymity of certain protocols make it easier for fraudsters . Indeed, a project can be launched quickly, without rigorous controls, and rely on extravagant promises of returns. In addition to this:
- The technical aspect: blockchain, smart contract contracts wallet configuration … all of this can seem obscure to a new investor.
- Lack of legal framework: depending on the country, regulations on cryptocurrencies are still vague, or even non-existent.
- FOMO ” ( fear of missing out effect : the fear of missing a unique opportunity prompts some to invest without making serious checks.
The result: scammers create websites in a matter of days, quickly attract investors, and then disappear with the funds (often referred to as rug pull or pull exit ). This affects both young, digitally savvy individuals and older people, seduced by social media posts touting the incredible potential of cryptocurrencies, however true it may be.
What is a scammer? Specific examples of scams and methods of operation
False inheritance
A con artist poses as a foreign notary, claiming you are the sole heir of a wealthy deceased person. To unlock millions, they ask you to pay lawyer or notarization fees. As soon as you pay, the scammer vanishes. This “inheritance lottery” is a more sophisticated version of the 419 fraud.
Gift card or coupon scam
The scammer pretends to be a relative in need or an official organization and demands that you immediately pay fees by purchasing vouchers (Apple, Google Play, Amazon, etc.). Once the codes are provided, you will never see the money again. Voucher payments are particularly popular because they offer near-total anonymity.
Real estate or stock market investment scam
Some fraudsters pose as licensed brokers, offering investments in real estate or shares of large companies with unrealistic guaranteed returns (e.g., 15% per month). After a few payments, all contact is lost. This scheme sometimes resembles a Ponzi , where early investors are paid with the money of new subscribers until the scheme collapses.
Sextortion
In an email, the scammer claims to have hacked your webcam and recorded compromising images. They threaten to release them to everyone in your contacts unless you pay a ransom in cryptocurrency. In most cases, no video actually exists, but fear compels victims to pay.
What is a scammer? Best practices to avoid falling into the trap
Prevention is better than cure. Several reflexes can save you from disaster:
Verify the authenticity of websites before making 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 into your browser yourself. On e-commerce or service websites, check that they have a security certificate (address starting with https and a padlock icon in the address bar). Also, read reviews from other users or consult specialized forums. However, reviews are not always authoritative: many sites are victims of fake negative reviews from competitors to damage their reputation. It is advisable to cross-reference information from several sources.
Never give out your secret phrase or private keys
For those involved in decentralized finance , this is rule number one. No reputable platform, no support technician will ever ask you for your recovery phrase or the private key to your crypto wallet. Revealing it opens the door to all your assets.
Keep a record of any suspicious exchanges
Keep emails, text messages, and screenshots. If you happen to receive a suspicious message, you can share this evidence with the authorities or cybersecurity support teams. In some cases, it's possible to trace a scammer and limit their fraudulent activities.
Contact the relevant authorities
In France, organizations like the THESEE platform (Harmonized Processing of Investigations and Reports for E-Scams) allow users to file complaints about online fraud . In other countries, there are official websites for reporting scams. Feedback and complaints strengthen investigations and help apprehend perpetrators.
What is Scammer? The role of awareness among seniors
Older people are often prime targets for scammers , as they are sometimes less familiar with online tools and warning signs. It is essential to increase awareness campaigns in retirement homes, senior centers, and through associations. Even a few explanations on how to spot a suspicious email can make a big difference.
Organizations like France Services (in France) and AARP (in the United States) regularly hold introductory sessions to teach seniors how to use the internet safely. This proactive approach is crucial for limiting the impact of these fraudsters .
What exactly is Scammer? A multifaceted danger
Scammers , and know how to infiltrate where they are least expected. Whether we're talking about simple fake banking emails, phishing , social media scams crypto-finance , they all seek to exploit the good faith or curiosity of their target.
Vigilance isn't innate. It's learned over time, by increasing security measures and talking to those around you. It's not about becoming paranoid, but rather about understanding the basic mechanisms: no one will ever give you a fortune for no reason, you should never rush into clicking on a dubious link, and you must verify the authenticity of what you're told.
Conclusion: Remain cautious to enjoy the internet without fear
Ultimately, what is a scammer ? It's an individual (or group) who uses deception to get you to do something you would never do willingly. Whether it's for financial fraud , data theft, money laundering, or simply to scam the most vulnerable, the principle remains the same.
Fortunately, several “shields” exist:
- Knowledge: knowing how to recognize the main forms of scams.
- Reasonable distrust: verify information, don't rush into things, avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
- Security tools: antivirus, software updates, two-factor authentication.
- Sharing experiences: talking about attempted scams, alerting relatives, reporting to the relevant authorities.
The internet, networks, and decentralized finance are all spaces brimming with opportunities, but they also harbor scammers . By taking the time to educate themselves and adopting a few basic habits, everyone can fully enjoy the digital world without fear of being ripped off.
Therefore, you are not doomed to become a victim. With information and a few good habits, you can browse the internet safely or participate in the DeFi . And if any doubt remains, never hesitate to ask for advice from a friend or family member, an official customer service representative, or contact the organization directly. It's better to be safe than sorry than to fall into a scammer .
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Yoann
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.
