Digital scams increasingly exploit human psychology and trust

Research and expert analysis highlight the growing threat of digital scams, emphasizing that fraudsters increasingly target human psychology rather than just technological vulnerabilities.

A study from Malaysia’s Journal of Computing Research and Innovation, conducted by Aqeelah Balqis Abdul Samad, found that younger individuals, those with limited technological literacy, and people with low awareness of scam tactics are most susceptible to fraud. The research suggests that critical thinking and digital literacy are essential defenses, noting that income levels and general trust in others did not significantly impact vulnerability.

In Ghana, Moses Tetteh, Senior Manager for Financial Crime at Mobile Money Fintech Limited, warned that hackers “hack trust,” “fear,” and “agency” to manipulate victims. As economies digitize, the misuse of PINs and One-Time Passwords (OTPs) has become a critical risk. Tetteh advised consumers to “Stop, Think, and Verify” before acting on urgent requests and to never share sensitive credentials with third parties.