Psychologist Elena Shpagina explains how fraudsters use manipulative tactics to exploit basic human emotions and disable critical thinking, offering a crucial self-defense strategy.
In today`s world, fraudsters operate as sophisticated manipulators, leveraging fundamental psychological mechanisms such as trust, fear, greed, or the desire to help loved ones. This insight was shared by psychologist Elena Shpagina, a Ph.D. in psychological sciences, in an interview.
According to her, the primary goal of these manipulators is to provoke an instant emotional reaction. This reaction triggers habitual automatisms, completely overriding a person`s critical perception of reality.
The psychologist emphasized that the first and most crucial step towards protection is not analysis, but an immediate pause. In any suspicious situation, the key is to consciously create an artificial `stop signal`.
Regardless of what is being said, you must give yourself the command: «Stop. I am not making any decisions right now.» It is essential to interrupt the conversation under any pretext. Such a pause will help you break free from the pressure and give yourself time to calm down and assess the situation clearly.
Warning Signs for Children
Previously, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) highlighted alarming signs of scammers influencing children. According to the agency, the appearance of new, suspicious words or phrases in a child`s vocabulary could be a critical red flag that parents should pay attention to.
