It usually starts small.
You’re checking out at the grocery store. Your arms are full. Your phone buzzes.
“Mom, I lost my phone. I’m using a friend’s. Can you send me $800 for a replacement? I’ll explain later.”
Your stomach drops. You don’t even think—you just react. You’re already pulling up your bank app, thinking: My kid needs help. I’ll sort it out later.
But that message didn’t come from your kid.
And that’s how they get you.

Scams Don’t Just Target Your Phone. They Target You.
When we hear the word “cybersecurity,” we usually picture someone sitting behind a keyboard, guessing passwords or launching viruses. But most successful attacks these days don’t break through firewalls—they break through emotions.
Panic. Fear. Curiosity. Excitement. Even trust.
Scammers don’t have to be technical geniuses. They just have to know how to write a convincing message and hit you at the right moment. Because when your emotions are running high, your critical thinking takes a back seat.
Let’s talk about five emotional triggers scammers rely on, and how you can protect yourself from falling for them.
1. Urgency: “You Have to Act Right Now”
This is one of the most common tricks. Scammers want to make you feel like there’s no time to think.
You might see messages like:
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“Your account has been locked. Log in now to restore access.”
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“Your Amazon order for $1,099 is confirmed.” (You didn’t order anything.)
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“Update your password immediately or lose access.”
They’re counting on you to act fast and skip the usual steps of verification. And sometimes, it works.
What to do:
Slow down. Legitimate companies don’t threaten you with immediate consequences through vague messages. If something seems off, go straight to the source—open your banking app, log into your email, or call the company using a number you trust. Don’t click links you weren’t expecting.
2. Fear: “Something Bad Is About to Happen”
Fear shuts down reason. It makes us focus on solving the immediate crisis instead of asking if the crisis is even real.
You might get messages like:
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“This is the IRS. You owe taxes and will be arrested if you don’t pay now.”
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“A virus was detected on your device. Call tech support immediately.”
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“We have your private data and will release it unless you send payment.”
It’s all about pressure. Fear creates tunnel vision, and that’s exactly what scammers want.
What to do:
Take a moment. Breathe. Real government agencies don’t call or text threats like this. Real tech companies don’t reach out to fix problems you didn’t report. Hang up, delete the message, and check with the real organization if you’re unsure.
3. Curiosity: “You Won’t Believe This”
Not every scam is scary. Some just poke at your curiosity.
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“Is this you in this video?”
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“Your friend tagged you in a wild post.”
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“You’ve got to see what people are saying about you.”
You click the link, thinking you’re about to find out something juicy—and just like that, you’re giving away login info or infecting your device.
What to do:
If it seems like clickbait, it probably is. Don’t take the bait. Hover over links to see where they lead. If the message comes from someone you know, ask them about it through another channel. Don’t assume every forwarded message is safe.
4. Trust: “This Is Someone You Know”
This is where things get personal. Scammers will pretend to be your child, your boss, a coworker, or even your bank.
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“Hi Mom, I lost my phone. Can you send money?”
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“Hey, can you grab some gift cards for a work event?”
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“We detected suspicious activity in your account. Click here to secure it.”
These scams work because they feel familiar. You want to help. You want to do the right thing. But the message isn’t coming from who you think it is.
What to do:
If someone you know makes a strange or urgent request, especially involving money, stop and confirm. Use a separate, known-good method—call them, text their real number, or talk in person. And if you're a parent, it’s worth creating a shared code word or phrase your family can use in emergencies.
5. Excitement or Greed: “You’ve Just Won!”
Some scams go the opposite direction. Instead of scaring you, they flatter or entice you.
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“You’ve been selected for a free iPhone!”
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“I came across your profile and would love to get to know you…”
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“This is a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity.”
These messages play on your desire to feel lucky, special, chosen. And then they ask for just a little bit of information. Or a small fee. Or a bigger commitment, if the scam keeps going.
What to do:
If you didn’t sign up for a giveaway, you didn’t win anything. Real companies don’t ask for money to claim prizes. And if someone online falls in love with you out of nowhere, ask yourself why. If it feels too good to be true, trust that instinct.
Before You React
Here’s the bottom line: if a message hits you emotionally—whether it’s fear, panic, curiosity, or excitement—that’s a signal to pause.
Scammers are counting on you to react, not think. That one moment of hesitation can make all the difference.
If something feels off, verify it. Talk to someone. Reach out to your IT team or provider. Ask a friend. A quick double-check could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself from scammers. You just have to stay calm, stay thoughtful, and remember: your emotions are the most valuable thing you own. Don’t let someone else control them.