Psychology of scams explores the dilemma of trust and cooperation

Research into the psychology of being conned suggests that being cheated by someone an individual has chosen to trust triggers intense emotional responses, often more severe than being a victim of random theft. Beyond the immediate fury, victims of scams—particularly cybercrimes—can experience documented negative effects on both mental and physical health.

Behavioral scientists highlight a fundamental dilemma regarding trust. While skepticism is necessary to avoid sophisticated scams, excessive wariness can hinder social and economic progress. Carsten De Dreu of the University of Groningen notes that if people become too afraid of being suckered, they may stop cooperating, preventing the positive cycles of mutual benefit that arise from reciprocation.

Social psychologists, including Kathleen Vohs of the University of Minnesota, suggest that the irritation felt when being duped stems from the victim seeing an element of their own behavior in the event, as they feel they were responsible for extending the trust that was ultimately exploited.