MODERATE THREAT · Consumer Fraud Awareness

Understanding Emotional Manipulation in Fraud

Criminals frequently exploit human emotions—such as the desire for love, financial security, family protection, and safety—to manipulate victims into participating in fraudulent schemes. By establishing emotional connections or creating artificial urgency, scammers override logical decision-making to steal money and personal information.

10/9/2026EmailText MessagingSocial MediaDating WebsitesTelephone

Warning signs

Unexpected contact from someone claiming to be a government official or authority figure
High-pressure tactics demanding immediate payment or action
Requests for payment via non-traditional methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
An online love interest who quickly moves the conversation to financial topics or investment opportunities
Claims that your money is at risk and must be moved to a 'safe' account
Unsolicited messages creating a sense of fear, such as threats of arrest or legal action

What you should do

Pause and verify: Contact the organization directly using a known, official phone number or website, not information provided by the caller
Do not share personal or financial information with unsolicited contacts
Be skeptical of any request to pay via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
Discuss suspicious interactions with trusted friends or family members to gain perspective
Report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
If you believe you have been targeted, contact the Better Business Bureau to file a report via their Scam Tracker

Scammers utilize psychological manipulation to build trust or induce panic, making their fraudulent narratives appear credible. Common tactics include impersonating trusted entities like government agencies, banks, or family members in distress, as well as cultivating deep personal relationships through romance scams. Once an emotional bond or a state of high anxiety is established, victims are more likely to comply with requests for money, cryptocurrency, or sensitive data. Experts emphasize that even individuals who believe they are immune to such tactics can be targeted, as scammers are highly skilled at identifying and exploiting personal vulnerabilities.

Sources

https://www.consumer-action.org/press/articles/emotional_states_criminals_exploit_to_perpetrate_fraud https://consumer.ftc.gov/online-scams https://www.aol.com/articles/why-scammers-target-emotions-steal-100726000.html https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/07/talk-your-friends-and-family-fight-fraud https://www.consumer-action.org/alerts/articles/emotional_triggers_criminals_exploit_to_perpetrate_fraud