Clallam County, Wash., residents lost more than $670,000 to scammers in three days. In our previous articles on government impersonation scams, tech support scams and the FBI Internet Crime Report, one pattern kept showing up: Scammers do not need sophisticated technology to steal money; they need to understand how people react under duress.
The stories were different; the strategy was not.
Each scam began by creating a problem: A bank account was supposedly at risk; a computer had been compromised; an investigation was already underway. Once fear took over, the scammers stepped in with what sounded like the only solution: They told victims to move money, grant remote access or follow instructions without stopping to verify anything.
One victim was convinced that their finances were under investigation and that their bank accounts were in danger; they were instructed to buy gold and hand it to someone who came to their home. Another person fell for a fake Microsoft technical support scam. Others were targeted through malicious emails, fake “rescue” applications and cryptocurrency schemes.
If that sounds familiar, it should. It follows the same formula we discussed in our article on government impersonation scams: Someone claims authority, creates urgency and pushes for immediate action. Real government agencies do not call people demanding they move money for protection and do not tell people to buy gold bars. Legitimate companies do not pressure customers into making financial decisions on the spot.
Trust Is the Weapon
Many people assume scams work only because victims are careless. That explanation misses what is actually happening.
Professional scammers are skilled at earning trust. They know the language to use, the details to include and the emotions to trigger.
Someone pretending to be from Microsoft may use technical terms that sound convincing. A fake government official may reference investigations or legal consequences. A caller claiming to represent your bank may insist your account is at risk. The goal is always the same: Keep you focused on the emergency, not on whether the story makes sense.
That is why one habit matters more than almost anything else: Stop before you act. Even a few minutes spent verifying a claim can be enough to expose the scam.
Common Warning Signs
Watch for these warning signs:
- You are told to act immediately.
- You are asked to keep the situation secret from family, your bank or law enforcement.
- Someone requests payment through gold, cryptocurrency, gift cards or another unusual method.
- You are asked to install software or give someone remote access to your computer.
- A caller claims to represent a trusted company or government agency without a clear reason for contacting you.
The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers that legitimate organizations do not ask people to transfer money, buy gold or provide remote access to resolve unexpected problems.
What Should You Do?
What should you do if you receive a suspicious call, email or text?
Do not rely on the contact information the caller gives you. Find the organization’s official phone number or website yourself and verify the request independently. If someone claims to represent Microsoft, your bank, the FTC or another trusted organization, contact it directly.
Before sending money or sharing sensitive information, talk to someone you trust. A family member, friend, colleague, bank employee or security professional may notice warning signs that are easy to miss when you feel pressured.
Cybersecurity is not just about protecting devices or creating strong passwords; it is also about protecting your judgment. That is what impersonation scams are really trying to bypass.
The strongest defense is still the simplest one: Stop and verify, then decide.
Learn more about Oakland County’s Information Security Office here. Visit their Citizen Cyber Training portal for online education and online cybersecurity resources to help understand risks and be better prepared for a more secure online experience.
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