A psychologist emphasizes the importance of educating both children and adults about the tactics used by scammers to protect against emotional manipulation and financial loss.
Jovita Kriukelytė, a psychologist, discusses the necessity of instilling cautionary skills regarding scammers from a young age, as this education is vital for all ages. She highlights that phone and internet scammers target emotions, aiming to disrupt a person’s critical thinking. Each year, millions of euros are extorted from victims, not necessarily due to a lack of intelligence or education, but rather because scammers can create intense emotional states that cloud judgment.
Kriukelytė warns that scammers seek to unbalance individuals, triggering strong emotional reactions that overwhelm rational thinking. This crucial insight serves as a reminder that anyone can fall victim to scams, especially during moments of shock or distress, where objective evaluation becomes difficult. Thus, the need for awareness and preparedness against such schemes is paramount.
The psychologist advocates for adults to repeatedly adhere to safety rules that they often teach children, including being cautious with strangers and taking the time to consult trusted individuals before making decisions. By sharing these strategies and encouraging open discussions about recognition and avoidance of fraud, families can better protect themselves from potential scams, ensuring that emotional responses do not lead to financial vulnerabilities.
