How to Break Free from Phone Scammers' 'Hypnosis'

Victims of scammers literally fall into a «hypnosis» when criminals process them. Relatives of the deceived sometimes cannot convince them to hang up, not conduct a dangerous transaction, or not provide personal data. 161.RU asked experts how to escape the influence of scammers and what tricks criminals use.

Instinct Instead of Rational Thinking: How Scammers Influence Victims

Clinical psychologist Larisa Verchinova notes that the scammers« task is to bring the victim out of a calm and rational state into emotional tension. Most often, it is associated with fear.

— At this moment, the ancient limbic system of the brain, responsible for the »fight or flight« instincts, is activated, and the neocortex—the area of logic and critical analysis—is blocked, — explains the clinical psychologist.

The trance that victims enter is based on sophisticated psychological techniques.

— This state is characterized by a significant reduction in critical thinking activity, as a result of which a person tends to act automatically, obeying the manipulator»s commands, — says psychiatrist Marina Kalyuzhnaya.

Criminals create an illusion of extreme danger, whether it«s a threat to loved ones or criminal punishment. Because of this, stress prevents the brain from turning on the critical filter.

— Thus, the brain switches to a mode of instinctive response, ignoring the need for an objective assessment of circumstances, — explains psychiatrist Marina Kalyuzhnaya.

Another method of pressure is the illusion of authority. The criminal presents themselves as an employee of a law enforcement agency, government institution, or bank. The victim begins to believe them unconditionally. The scammer speaks quickly and confidently, using supposedly professional terms and grand names of organizations.

— The caller introduces themselves as a bank employee, tech support, or police officer. They use official terminology, creating an illusion of formality. We tend to trust authorities to avoid expending effort on verification, — says clinical psychologist Larisa Verchinova.

Moreover, scammers often pressure with urgency, claiming that delay will lead to serious consequences.

— Scammers artificially create a situation of acute crisis, leaving no time for thought: »Your account will be hacked in 5 minutes!«, »Your son is at the police station, payment for a lawyer is needed!«. Panic is their main ally. In such a state, a person does not analyze but seeks the fastest way to eliminate the threat, and the scammer »helps« them by offering the »only« solution, — explains the methods of influence psychologist Larisa Verchinova.

Experts note that initially, scammers may request minimal personal data, gradually increasing their demands.

— After agreeing to the first small request, a person feels obligated to continue cooperation, experiencing internal discomfort when refusing, — explains psychiatrist Marina Kalyuzhnaya.

Another feeling that criminals can pressure is greed.

— Promise of easy profit. «You can quickly earn 100,000 rubles (approximately $1,000 at current rates) by investing only 5,000 rubles (approximately $50 at current rates)». Greed and hope for a quick result block rational thinking, — says psychologist Natalia Airing.

Parallel to pressuring greed, they may create an illusion of social proof.

— They say: «Already 500 people have received profit», «Everyone likes it, and you haven»t tried it yet«. A person ориентируется on the majority, even if the information is false, — asserts psychologist Natalia Airing.

The main method of influencing the victim is isolating them from loved ones so that they cannot dissuade and save them.

— The classic phrase: «Don»t tell anyone about the call, otherwise the operation will fail«. They isolate the victim from external, sober assessment of the situation, — reflects clinical psychologist Larisa Verchinova.

»I«ll Come Back Later»: How Not to Fall for Scammers« »Hypnosis«?

To avoid becoming a victim of scammers, it»s important to be able to recognize their manipulations.

— Take a break, postpone decision-making: any situation accompanied by a high level of tension and a demand for instant decisions regarding your finances or personal information should raise caution. Stop and tell yourself: «I»ll come back later«. This simple technique will interrupt the chain of manipulations and allow you to restore your ability to reason soundly, — asserts Marina Kalyuzhnaya.

During the conversation, it»s important to ask clarifying questions to throw the criminal off balance.

— Control your breathing: deep, relaxed breathing helps reduce stress levels and restore the ability to think clearly, — advises psychiatrist Marina Kalyuzhnaya.

Another important method is to seek support. Interrupt the phone communication and contact relatives or competent authorities.

— Isolating the victim is an important part of the criminals« strategy, since an outside opinion can often quickly dispel doubts and restore confidence, — advises Marina Kalyuzhnaya.

Psychologist Natalia Airing advises being aware of your emotions. Fear, greed, desire to impress—signs of possible manipulation.

— Remember the danger signals: small steps, social pressure, promises of easy profit, sudden friendship or attention, authority without verification—all these are red flags, — says Airing.

Clinical psychologist Larisa Verchinova notes that in case of pressure, your own safety should be more important than politeness.

— Adopt the mindset: »My data and my money are my fortress. Any request to hand them over is an attempt at assault that requires double verification«, — concludes the expert.