Don’t Be Ashamed – Scammers Are Professionals

Falling for a scam or even coming close to it can leave you feeling embarrassed, frustrated, or shaken. But here’s something important to remember: it’s not your fault. Scammers are trained professionals, and they’re highly skilled at what they do.

Scammers Are Masters of Deception

These fraudsters don’t rely on luck. They study human behavior, craft convincing stories, and use tools that make their scams seem legitimate. From fake government websites and spoofed phone numbers to kind voices pretending to be loved ones or official agents, their tactics are intentionally manipulative.

You might get a call from someone claiming to be your grandchild in trouble. Or a message from a “Medicare representative” urging you to confirm your details. They use urgency, fear, or even warmth to draw you in—and it works, because they understand psychology.

Why Their Tactics Work: The Power of Social Engineering

Scammers use a tactic known as social engineering—a psychological manipulation method designed to influence your behavior and decisions.

Here’s how it works:

• Emotions over logic: When you’re stressed, scared, or rushed, your brain tends to react emotionally. That’s when scammers strike.
• False urgency: Phrases like “act now,” “urgent response needed,” or “this is your last chance” are common pressure techniques.
• Trust triggers: They’ll use polite language, familiar names, or titles like “agent” to gain your confidence.

It doesn’t matter your age or background—social engineering works on everyone. Being scammed doesn’t mean you’re naïve. It means you’re human.

💡 What To Do If It Happens

If you think you may have fallen for a scam or revealed personal information by mistake:

1. Don’t stay silent. Tell someone you trust. Shame and silence only protect the scammer.
2. Report it immediately. In Hawaiʻi, reach out to SMP Hawaii or local authorities.
3. Take action quickly. The sooner you act, the better the chances of stopping further damage and protecting others.

To Our Kūpuna: You Are Not Alone

To our cherished kūpuna, remember this: scams do not define you. Your strength, experience, and wisdom are what matter most. Speaking up shows courage, not weakness. And when you do, you empower others to protect themselves too.

🛡️ Helpful Resources

• INTERPOL: Social Engineering Scams
• IBM: Understanding Social Engineering