Scams have become more widespread and started to reach close to our neighborhoods. The scammers utilize popular applications such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and other platforms as a means to carry out their actions. By utilizing personal data that is often freely available on social media, such as phone numbers, names, and family information, scammers develop various fraud modes. One of the most common tactics is pretending to be a victim and sending messages to the victim’s friends or family, known as “Catfishing”. The scammer sends a message pretending to be a friend or family member of the victim, then asks for urgent help in the form of a fund transfer, payment of an e-commerce order, or other financial assistance. This mode takes advantage of the victim’s emotional closeness and trust in the recipient of the message, so many victims immediately fulfill the request without suspicion.
So, what should we do if we become a victim or get a message from these scammers? What are the characteristics of the scammer? Check out the explanation below!
Characteristics of Scammers
- Sending messages or calling with an urgent with rushed tone.
- Ask for money transfers or e-commerce payments under the pretense of urgency.
- Sending suspicious documents or links that are irrelevant or unrecognized.
Tips to Avoid Catfishing
- Don’t trust easily.
When you receive a message that claims to be your friends or family, please double-check the truth by contacting them through their existing contacts. If unsure, ask a friend or someone else about the number or account.
- Ask slightly personalized questions.
You can check by asking questions that are a little personal in order to trap the perpetrator in revealing his true identity. Try asking more personalized questions, such as asking the perpetrator to name the team leader or a specific position within the team, to determine if they are a known person.
- Protect personal data and pay attention to transfer security.
Keep important data such as ID card, PIN, password, and OTP from being given to other parties. When making a transfer, make sure the destination account data is correct to avoid the risk of fraud.
- Do not click on links or download suspicious documents.
If you receive a message containing a link or document from an unknown number, avoid opening or clicking on it until it is verified.
- Report suspicious numbers, accounts or accounts.
If you believe you have dealt with a scammer, report the number or account immediately to the authorities such as the police, bank, or related operations.
Being cautious and careful in communicating online is the key to avoiding being trapped by these scammers.(ANH/YDH)