Understanding the psychological manipulation behind scams and why they continue to thrive in Singapore
Scams have become a disturbing reality in Singapore, with the nation losing over $661 million to scammers in 2022 alone. The alarming rise in scam cases has highlighted how vulnerable people are to well-executed cons, often exploiting trust and emotional manipulation. To delve deeper into the psychology of scams and understand why Singaporeans continue to fall victim, we collaborated with Singtel to speak with an ex-scammer, a victim, and a security expert.
The story begins with chilling words from a human trafficking survivor who was forced into scamming. “They trust us, they love us, and they are ready to do everything we tell them to do… That’s why we call it pig-butchering,” the survivor explained. This term refers to the method in which scammers build relationships with their targets, earning their trust over time before swindling them out of large sums of money.
The scammer’s technique is deeply manipulative, often starting with a fake romance or friendship. Through emotional manipulation, they get their victims to believe they are in a genuine relationship or connection, and ultimately, that they need to send money for an emergency or investment opportunity. The “pig-butchering” process is slow but steady, much like fattening a pig before slaughter.
Despite the extensive coverage of scams in the media and public awareness campaigns, scammers remain remarkably successful. One of the reasons is their ability to adapt to new methods and technology. With the advent of social media, scams can now be conducted on a much larger scale. Scammers use fake profiles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and dating apps to create a sense of familiarity and safety, making it easier to gain their victim’s trust.
A scam victim we spoke with shared their harrowing experience of being conned. “At first, everything seemed normal,” they said. “They were kind, caring, and seemed to understand me like no one else did. I didn’t realize I was being scammed until it was too late.” This emotional manipulation is a key component of why many victims do not recognize the scam until it is too late.
Experts also weighed in on the growing issue. According to cybersecurity specialists, the sophistication of these scams is increasing. Scammers use various tools to impersonate trustworthy figures, from fake investment schemes to fraudulent online businesses, making it harder for the average person to distinguish between legitimate offers and scams.
In addition to emotional manipulation and technological tools, scammers often use a sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly without thinking. Whether it’s claiming an opportunity is time-sensitive or that a loved one is in danger, these tactics are designed to trigger a rush of emotions, making it difficult for the victim to remain calm and think critically.
The rise in scams is not just a personal loss for victims but also a societal issue. The psychological and financial toll on victims can be devastating, and there is an increasing need for both public education and legal measures to combat scams effectively. While Singapore has implemented some initiatives to raise awareness, such as scam helplines and educational campaigns, scammers continue to evolve their strategies, finding new ways to deceive.
It is essential for Singaporeans to stay vigilant and cautious when interacting with unfamiliar people or offers, particularly those that seem too good to be true. Public education on recognizing scams and the importance of verifying information before taking action is crucial in reducing the number of victims.
As scammers continue to evolve and refine their tactics, the fight against these criminal activities will require both individual vigilance and collective action.
