James Bore, a cyber security expert, explains that embarrassment is part of the problem, “It isn’t helped by the messaging that scams are obvious – that gives the impression that only stupid people get caught. The truth is anyone can be caught by these [scams], no matter how experienced or educated in fraud awareness. It only takes a moment of inattention.”
So here are some tips to avoid getting caught out:
1. TAKE TIME TO CONSIDER
If you receive a message that feels odd in any way, take some time to think it through before responding. Scammers begin by building a rapport with you before asking for money, using phrases such as “I have a request I need you to handle discreetly”.
2. ASK YOUR CHURCH LEADER
If the message is claiming to be from someone you know, contact that person by another means and ask them about it. Never use the details sent to you in the original message and ideally telephone them directly. Or call the office.
3. BE ALERT TO THE EMOTIONAL RESPONSE
Train yourself to be alert to the reaction scammers want to elicit, often a tug on the heartstrings and a sense of urgent need. “If a message on social media or email provokes an emotional response, that should trigger you to check,” Bore explains.
4. CHECK THE EMAIL ADDRESS/PHONE NUMBER
It will often look similar to that of someone you know, but it won’t be exactly the same. Rev Tim Edwards has been told by congregants: “I think your email has been hacked”. “But if you click on the address for the full details,” he says, “it’s often a good approximation, but it’s not actually my email address.”
5. STOP THE COMMUNICATION
If you realize you have been defrauded, stop the communication immediately and contact your bank to stop any payments still pending.
6. DON’T BE ASHAMED
Try not to feel ashamed if you fall into their trap, instead talk about it with people you trust. As Bore says: “I know plenty of people who you could argue ‘should have known better’ who were caught because of a bad night’s sleep, or because the message came through to their phone at 6am and woke them up. We are human, and our attention lapses – treating this as some ultimate shameful character flaw rather than a momentary failing makes things easier for the criminals.”
7. MAKE OTHERS AWARE
Your church leader, church staff or Board members should never ask you for money via social media, text or email. We want to make this very clear to our UUCUC members and friends. All of us can talk to others about the risks and help people feel they can have open conversations about their experiences.
People wanting to make money will constantly be looking for new tricks to deceive generous people. Anyone can get caught out by a scam, but by following this advice we should all be able to keep one step ahead of the fraudsters