What everyone can learn from the woman who lost $50,000 to a scam

[Ocelot II]

38. That was a very sophisticated head game they played on this person.

I don't think anybody should assume they are immune from this kind of psychological pressure, or too smart to fall for it. Interestingly, it seems that more young people than elderly are now falling for these complicated scams. Seems like the best protection is at the very outset of the attempt, when you get the first phone call. Amazon won't call you; neither will the IRS. Your bank might (mine did when my debit card number was used for fraudulent transactions), but if they do, hang up and call back at their listed number, not the one the caller gives you, and check your account online first. The author of this article explains how they conned her incrementally, using personal information and multiple people posing as legitimate government agents. All that personal information can be easily obtained from online sources. Don't just assume you're too smart to be scammed.