Did you know that internet scams cost victims over $10 billion in 2023 alone? It’s a staggering number, yet scams continue to trap people daily—even the most tech-savvy among us.

So, what makes some individuals more vulnerable to these schemes than others?

Psychology suggests that certain personality traits make people easier targets for online fraud. Whether it’s being overly trusting or acting impulsively, scammers know exactly how to exploit these tendencies.

In this article, we’ll dive into 9 common traits that make someone more likely to fall for internet scams—and how understanding these behaviors can help you protect yourself and others from becoming the next victim.

1) Lack of online skepticism

Much of our modern lives are lived in the digital realm, and while the internet offers convenience, it also comes with a dark side—scams.

Internet scammers are experts at crafting believable stories and creating false legitimacy, preying on individuals who tend to trust what they encounter online without much scrutiny.

One trait found in victims of internet scams is a lack of skepticism. They tend to accept things at face value, often not stopping to question the authenticity of an email, online offer, or a seemingly too-good-to-be-true deal.

This doesn’t mean they are gullible; rather, they are more trusting and less cynical than others.

Scammers take advantage of misplaced trust, manipulating victims into sharing personal information or making financial decisions.

In the words of Arthur Conan Doyle, “Healthy skepticism is the basis of all accurate observation.” Maintaining caution, questioning offers, and being skeptical of unfamiliar sources are essential steps in protecting ourselves from these deceptive tactics.

2) Limited digital literacy

I’ve seen this first-hand with a close friend of mine, Mary. A retired schoolteacher, Mary had always been a bit hesitant when it came to technology.

When she finally took the plunge and bought a laptop, she was thrilled at the prospect of connecting with her grandkids online and exploring the internet.

One day, she received an email warning her that her computer had been infected with a virus. The email looked very official and instructed her to click a link to remove the virus immediately.

Worried, and without much knowledge about common online scams, she clicked the link, inadvertently downloading malware onto her computer.

This example perfectly illustrates how limited digital literacy can make individuals more susceptible to online scams.

3) Low resilience to pressure

Scammers are highly skilled at exploiting emotions, creating a false sense of urgency to pressure individuals into making quick decisions.

They manipulate situations to make it seem as though immediate action is necessary, clouding judgment and leading to impulsive choices.

This kind of emotional manipulation makes people more vulnerable to falling victim to scams. Recognizing these tactics and taking a moment to pause and think can help protect against fraud.

Here are some common examples of scam tactics:

• Fake emergency calls: Scammers pretend to be a distressed family member, claiming they need immediate financial help for bail or medical expenses.
• Phishing emails: You may receive an urgent message saying your bank account is compromised, prompting you to click a link to resolve the issue.
• Fake limited-time offers: Scammers create pressure by advertising false sales or giveaways, encouraging you to provide personal information quickly to claim a deal.
• Impersonation of officials: Scammers pose as government officials, threatening legal action or fines unless you pay immediately.

By staying informed and taking time to think before acting, people can avoid these traps and protect themselves from becoming victims of scams.

4) High levels of empathy

Interestingly, a trait that is generally seen as positive can sometimes work against us in the cyber world.

People with high levels of empathy find themselves more susceptible to internet scams.

These individuals are more likely to respond to scams that play on their emotions, like charity scams or scams that involve helping someone in trouble.

Scammers prey on this empathy, crafting stories designed to tug at heartstrings and open wallets.

It’s important to keep in mind that while empathy is a beautiful trait, it needs to be balanced with critical thinking and caution when interacting in the digital realm.

5) Overconfidence in personal judgment

Here’s a surprising one – overconfidence in personal judgment can actually make someone prone to falling for internet scams. It’s counter-intuitive, isn’t it?

You’d assume that those with the belief in their abilities to spot a scam from a mile away would be the least likely to fall for one. But that’s not always the case.

Overconfidence can create a false sense of security, leading to complacency. This mindset may cause individuals to ignore warning signs or dismiss potential red flags, thinking they are too savvy to be fooled.

For instance, they might trust a familiar-looking email or website, convinced they can tell the difference between real and fake. Scammers prey on this overconfidence, knowing that people who think they’re immune to deception may not take the necessary precautions.

In essence, overconfidence blinds us to the possibility that we, too, can be tricked. It lowers our guard, making us less likely to verify information, question suspicious activity, or follow safe practices.

This is why remaining cautious and skeptical, regardless of how confident we feel in our abilities, is crucial to avoid falling victim to scams.

6) The paradox of loneliness

Loneliness, a complex emotional response to isolation, can make individuals more vulnerable to scams in the digital age.

The internet provides a sense of connection, but this desire for companionship can also be exploited by scammers. They offer friendship, love, or community, creating a false sense of intimacy and trust.

This emotional manipulation causes lonely individuals to lower their defenses and overlook warning signs that would otherwise protect them.

Beyond emotional vulnerability, loneliness also affects cognitive functions such as decision-making and attention to detail.

When feeling isolated, individuals may struggle to critically assess situations, making them more likely to fall for scams.

Scammers target this combination of emotional need and impaired judgment, making it easier to deceive those seeking connection online. 

7) Lack of internet safety knowledge

Most people believe they know how to stay safe online. But the reality is, many don’t fully understand the risks they face.

A common thread among victims of internet scams is a lack of internet safety knowledge.

Many are unaware of the need for strong, unique passwords, the dangers of using unsecured public Wi-Fi, or how to identify phishing emails and websites.

Scammers exploit this knowledge gap with increasingly sophisticated tactics designed to deceive. They rely on people not knowing how to protect themselves, making it easier to trick them into giving up personal information or money.

This is why staying informed about online safety is crucial. Continual education on secure practices—such as using two-factor authentication, avoiding suspicious links, and safeguarding personal data—can make all the difference in protecting ourselves from scams.

Henry Ford wisely noted, “The only real security that a man can have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience, and ability.”

8) The illusion of invulnerability

It’s easy to believe that internet scams won’t happen to us. We think we’re too smart, too savvy, too aware to fall for such tricks. This illusion of invulnerability can, paradoxically, make us more vulnerable to scams.

Believing we’re immune to scams might make us less cautious. We might skim over emails without checking the sender’s details, click on links without verifying their source, or share personal details without thinking twice. After all, we’re not the kind of person who falls for scams, right?

The truth is, anyone can fall victim to a scam. Scammers are clever and constantly evolving, finding new ways to deceive. They don’t choose targets based on intelligence or tech skills—they exploit moments of trust and vulnerability.

“The most dangerous thing is illusion,” as Ralph Waldo Emerson observed. By thinking we’re immune, we fall into that very illusion, making it easier for scammers to take advantage.

9) Fear of missing out (FOMO)

FOMO, or the fear of missing out, is a phenomenon that’s become increasingly prevalent in the digital age. This fear can drive individuals to take actions they might not otherwise, including falling for scams.

Scammers capitalize on this fear by creating limited-time offers or exclusive opportunities that trigger a sense of urgency. The fear of missing out on these ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunities can compel individuals to act quickly, bypassing their usual caution.

Once, I came across an advertisement for a digital marketing course claiming to offer exclusive industry secrets, available only for the next 24 hours at a significantly reduced price.

The sense of urgency and exclusivity almost made me hit the ‘buy now’ button. Upon further research, however, I found that the course was widely available elsewhere at a much lower price.

The final thoughts

As you reflect on these traits, consider how they’ve influenced your own online experiences.

Scammers excel at preying on the vulnerabilities we overlook, using our emotions and psychological tendencies to their advantage.

By understanding these personal traits—whether it’s the fear of missing out, empathy, or overconfidence—we can arm ourselves with the knowledge needed to spot deceptive tactics before they work.

Think about it: staying informed, questioning what seems too good to be true, and recognizing the psychological hooks scammers rely on could be your best defense.

In an increasingly digital world where scams evolve as quickly as technology itself, self-awareness and caution are essential tools to avoid becoming the next victim.

The power to protect yourself lies in understanding your own behavior—because sometimes, outsmarting a scam is less about technology and more about mastering the human side of the equation.