Psychological profile of scammers, the kings of deception

Deception has always existed, and so have scammers.. In general, many people stand out for their great altruism. Unfortunately, these are the favorite victims of scammers, who do not hesitate to take advantage of the goodwill and trust of others.

Studies carried out on trust suggest that Most of us are somehow programmed to trust others..

As a rule, we do not question the story of others, unless we are especially incredulous, the person has certain precedents or the content of the story itself is a justification for conduct that, in some way, does not leave the person in a good light. another, like being late. This neuronal decline towards trust means that we can be easily deceived.

Introduction to scams

The crime of fraud is classified in article 248 of the Penal Code. It establishes that a person commits a scam who, for profit, use deception to cause error in another, inducing him to carry out an act of disposition to his own or another’s detriment.

Also the one who, for profit, and using some computer manipulation or similar artifice, achieve the non-consensual transfer of any property asset to the detriment of a third party.

As well as those who manufacture, introduce, possess or facilitate computer programs specifically intended for the commission of scams.

Difference between crime and lack of fraud

On the other hand, it should be noted that It is considered a crime of fraud when the amount defrauded exceeds €400. When the value of the fraud is less than this amount, it is considered a crime of fraud.

Psychological profile of a scammer

The psychological profile of a scammer is related to characteristics associated with ambition, greed and a great capacity for manipulation and deceptionhence they take advantage of the naivety of many people.

Added to this is that they are charismatic, observant people who study their victims and with great capacity for words.

They tend to be educated people, with a good appearance, who speak with great confidence and who quickly gain the trust of their victim. The secret of every good scammer is not to get the victim to trust him, but that the victim feels that the scammer trusts them, which is totally different.

On many occasions, they can use false fragility and vulnerability, provoking feelings related to altruism.

This leads them to look for more vulnerable victims.. The favorite profiles are older people, tourists, unemployed people and people who have economic needs. In most cases they are unknown, and it is common that, once the scam has been committed, they disappear from the area or municipality.

The lack of empathy, associated with a natural selfishness, is a characteristic highly associated with scammers, as is the lack of remorse, before, during and after committing deception and fraud.

Recommendations against scammers

The best prevention is always good information. Therefore, it is recommended Do not talk about investments with people you do not trustnot providing the secret card number, distrusting any technician who appears without prior notice and urgently requires money (in this case, it is recommended to check that it belongs to the company), etc.

Finally, when you are a victim of a scam, It is essential to file a complaint. In this way, what was lost can be recovered, if the full amount is not recovered, perhaps a part; But, above all, it will help prevent other people from falling into the interwoven webs of scammers.

Some of the biggest hoaxes in history

Two of the most famous swindlers in history made it to the movies: Frank Abagnale (in 1960), who impersonated his identity up to eight times and cashed fake checks for a total of 2.5 million dollars. The movie Catch Me If You Can (Catch me if you can) tells this story, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Leonardo Di Caprio.

The other case is that of Nick Leeson (in 1995), a British stock trader who caused the bankruptcy of Barings bankingafter leaving a hole of 1.4 billion dollars, whose film starred Ewan McGregor and is titled The big lantern (Rogue Trader).

On the other hand, an equally famous and more recent case is the scam carried out by Bernard L. Madoff (in 2008), the great Wall Street scammer, who through the pyramid scheme method fraudulently pocketed an amount greater than 50 000 million dollars. For this reason, he was sentenced in 2009 to 150 years in prison, although he would end up dying in April 2021.

In such a modern world, what are considered traditional scams coexist with new ones. Being alert is undoubtedly a priority to avoid scams and deceptions, especially in times of crisis. like the current one.

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