Writing Lessons & Advice: Scams
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
I managed to put my foot in a couple of scams around this time over the last two years. The second incident was a too-deep, gut-wrenching step that lost two-thirds of the hacked bank account. So for my own sake and others, I started blogging about some research, tips, and my experiences to help limit or avoid any more missteps. And in the intended spirit of this outlet, I actually find some ties between elements of scams and literacy--or the skills and ability to read and write.
Several authorities point to egregious writing errors in an electronic message as signifying a potential or definite scam. Cybersecurity expert Joseph Steinberg explains that misspelled keywords typically fool spam filters. Some scammers also think that prevalent errors make their bait messages seem more believable or authentic. Cyber company IT Governance also points out that AI-generated work can give itself away through “misspellings and awkward phrasing...[and] many scammers are from non-English speaking countries and backgrounds where access or opportunity to learn the language is limited.” On the flip side, scammers find easier targets in people who are gullible and/or uninformed--particularly where general and internet literacy are concerned.
Since even the best correspondents are prone to typos though, a recipient should look for other indicators that characterize a scam. A few other tell-tale signs include:
the message originating from an unfamiliar sender,
or the communication might not necessarily apply to you; e.g.: a warning about a toll pass you don’t have, a notification regarding an account or service you do not regularly use, or a message from a postal service when you are not expecting a package.
requests for sensitive information, unusual payment methods, or to use strange programs/apps
vague, non-specific terms,
tones that are possibly passive-aggressive, condescending, but urgent for sure.
If any or all these other indicators are recognized, DO NOT ENGAGE. Scams aim to deceive recipients into giving their money and/or identity, so engaging leads them closer to what they’re after. Ignore the call. Do not respond to the email. Do not follow through with their requests. This is the simplest way to not fall victim.
Several defensive and offensive measures can be taken to further limit or avoid chances of being targeted for scams. My secondary blog and others discuss them at length, but one most relevant to this forum is to stay informed, educated, and aware. Doing this could have saved me a bit of trouble. Familiarize yourself with at least some basic knowledge concerning scams and do not forget it! Stay updated on current scam trends by following outlets with consumer specialties. Review any account statements for unusual activity. Brushing up on standard English and reading skills can’t hurt either so you can better recognize quirks that may indicate a message is actually a scam.
Literacy and scams can go hand-in-hand. Writing mistakes are one element that makes a scam stand out but one needs to look out for other red flags to be sure. Knowing what to look for between both writing and internet conventions can save you a lot of trouble! Hope this helps you learn from my mistakes and advice!
What helps you recognize an incoming message as bad news? Have you fallen for any? Feel free to share about your experiences or any other topics you want covered in the comments, chat feature, or socials!
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