When a loved one becomes defensive about scams, it can be challenging to help them without causing frustration or hurt feelings. The key is to approach the situation with empathy, patience, and understanding. Start by recognizing that anyone can fall victim to scams, regardless of intelligence or experience. Scammers often exploit emotions like fear, trust, and greed, and even smart people can be caught off guard because they believe it could never happen to them[1].
Begin the conversation calmly and avoid blaming or criticizing. Use gentle language that shows concern rather than judgment. For example, say something like, “I know these scams can be really tricky, and they fool a lot of people. I just want to make sure you’re safe.” This helps reduce defensiveness by framing the discussion as a shared problem rather than a personal failure.
Encourage your loved one to pause and verify any suspicious messages or calls independently. Suggest they hang up and contact the company or person using a phone number or website they already know, not the one provided in the suspicious message[1][3]. Remind them that legitimate organizations rarely pressure people to act immediately or share sensitive information over the phone or email[3][5].
If they have already interacted with a scammer, respond with calmness and support. Help them take quick action such as changing passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and contacting their bank or financial institution to report any unauthorized transactions[2][7]. Emphasize that mistakes happen to everyone and that reporting incidents quickly can minimize damage[2].
Create an open environment where your loved one feels comfortable discussing scams without fear of embarrassment. Share information about common scam tactics and encourage ongoing conversations about cybersecurity habits. This openness helps build awareness and resilience against future attempts[4].
Finally, remind them that vigilance is the best defense. Scammers rely on rushing people into decisions, so taking time to think, question, and verify is crucial. Confidence in one’s ability to protect themselves should come from cautious skepticism, not overconfidence[1][3].
Sources
https://trustdale.com/blog/think-youre-too-smart-to-be-scammed-the-data-says-otherwise
https://www.wearekeystone.com/how-to-stay-safe-from-holiday-phishing-scams/
https://www.agility.bank/resources/phishing-scam-tips-
https://crr.bc.edu/preventing-cyber-scams-that-target-seniors/
https://blog.allstate.ca/protect-yourself-from-phone-scams-essential-tips/
https://www.legalshield.com/blog/how-to-help-get-your-money-back-from-a-scam
