Are scammers smarter than us?
A new trade of iniquity has flourished in this world of uncertainty and caprice. Millions, including some hard earned savings, are covertly siphoned from our bank accounts behind our backs, or even overtly drained away under our helpless stare. It is a partial bargain, by which we pay exorbitantly for the dazzling deals, gaudy goodies, sweet promises, caring caresses, and gracious help, all fall off swiftly from the fraudsters’ lips. Who will not yield to their charming words that mesmerise our credulous minds and captivate our tender hearts?
Does their easy success lie in, whether are they really that sophisticated and ingenious, or are we just simply too plain and stupid? It is neither. On a closer look, all their artful schemes and seemingly inexhaustible stratagems will reveal the strength of a deep understanding of human natures and a superior knowledge and skill in technology. In the case of the robber who demands for our possessions to be handed over immediately, he is a total stranger to us. Unlike him, these refined swindlers, only act after having slowly and patiently won our trust and gained our confidence as our friendship grows over time. Surely, a long line with little baits and a long wait will catch a big fish.
On the contrary, the extended time needed for them to make a greater discovery of us may turn the scale in our favour. It is seldom indeed that, their intentions and motives of deceit will not press on our mind if we are a little more attentive and observant. Sometimes, the intervention of an untoward event may also afford us the opportunity to confirm our suspicions with positive convictions and to escape before they strike. Sadly, there are some unfortunate ones who hold such implicit belief in the scammer’s feigned kindness and generosity that they still refuse to accept the ‘truth’ upon detection. Perhaps, they need more time to wake up from the binding spell and reclaim their sense of reason. Other quick-witted victims will make a loud hue and cry, in both private and public scenes, once their losses are determined and their ties with the miscreants are mercilessly cut off. We all know that the investigation and funds recovery will be a long, slow, tiresome and unpromising journey. It is even made worse when the money has left the country.
A burnt child dreads the fire and he will not suffer again only if he remembers the painful experience. To jog our poor memory, the press has constantly exposed the enormity of the crime and weakened their influence through the “expensive lessons” paid by others. On the other hand, the Police and other authorities blare out their warnings and dish out anti-scamming measures, hoping to check the progress of deceits, and, if possible, to get it checkmated. As for our most important role, we need to keep our mental alarms working well 24/7, so that we will not be easily swept off by any too good to be true deal.
Whether this illicit trade perpetuates or perishes, we shall then fix its fate and date.