Internet Scams Are On the Rise — Here's How to Spot Them and Stay Safe

Police departments across the region are sending out warnings almost every week about internet scams that are tricking people out of thousands of dollars. These scams use phone calls, messages, and fake relationships to fool victims. Experts say the problem is getting worse, and people of all ages are being affected. Understanding how these scams work is the first step to staying safe.

Dr. Reuben Brock, a psychologist, says technology is a big reason scams are so common today. Scammers can send messages to thousands of people at once, so they don't need a high success rate to make money. Even if only a small number of people fall for the trick, it can still be very profitable for the criminal. The scams are not personal, but they are carefully designed to feel that way.

Dr. Brock explained that scammers are very good at making their stories seem real and believable. They use personal details to make victims feel like they are talking to someone they can trust. A victim might go through the whole experience and never realize the person on the other end of the call was in another country. This is why so many people are caught off guard.

Shaler Police Chief Sean Frank wants people to know that scams don't only target older people. He said that middle-aged people have also fallen for these tricks because of how skilled the scammers are. Criminals look for anyone who might be feeling insecure, scared, or lonely. If a scammer can make someone feel a real connection or relationship, that person may ignore any signs that something is wrong.

Dr. Brock said that shame makes the problem even harder to fix. When victims realize they have been scammed, many feel embarrassed and try to hide what happened. Because they don't report it, scammers can come back and trick the same person again. Chief Frank said he has heard of cases where one person lost well over $100,000 this way.

Chief Frank also noted that many victims never call the police because they are too embarrassed. This means scammers are rarely caught, which allows them to keep hurting more people. Even after a scam is revealed, some victims still find it hard to accept the truth. Denial — refusing to believe something bad happened — can be a powerful feeling.

So what can you do to protect yourself? Dr. Brock says you will need to do some digging before you trust anyone asking for your information or money. That means reaching out to your bank, your credit card company, or a trusted family member to ask for help. Always check before you share any personal details or send any money to someone you don't fully know.