It feels real and yet it also feels strange, but it’s happening and its happening now. The call is real and there’s panic, fear, and distress.
Such calls are prepared, purposeful, and extremely clever, but only the person receiving them knows if they’re actually genuine. The sound, the quality, the scenario can all appear real, but is the context right? Does the scenario seem convincing? Is it possible they would need help, need your help, or require the money they say they immediately need?
Push to one side the panic, the shouting, the crying, the screaming, and the consequences and ask does it perhaps all feel a little weird. Does anything not quite add up. Maybe it does, maybe it seems genuine, but taking a moment to pause can put everything into perspective. Pausing gives you time to think. Thinking gives perspective and usually brings forward those concerns that would otherwise get lost.
Why do they really need my money, why must I click on the link, what would have happened if I’d not answered. What would happen if the call has simply dropped? And what is that voice inside your head saying?
It’s no longer practical to believe everything your see and hear, scammers can copy anything and anyone. That’s why taking a moment to pause and think is essential. Otherwise, within seconds your money, private information, and life as you know it could all be gone. Spotting fake calls and videos is now almost impossible.
You also need to decide what’s best for you. Scammers push urgency, they push fear, panic and remove your chance to hesitate. Don’t let them control you, your thoughts, and decisions.
The next time you are contacted by a stranger, without warning, without ever asking; listen to the voice inside your head. Is it saying something doesn’t feel right?
To help, always remember to Pause – Think – Decide every single time. You’re in control. So, always do all you can to stop the criminal from making you just another victim.
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After a scam, what next?
What we think you could consider … if you’re the victim of a scam or fraud.
