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Why Even Well-Prepared People Fall Victim to Fraudsters

Many people believe, "This could never happen to me."

However, statistics tell a different story. Fraud victims come from all age groups, professions, and educational backgrounds. It's not about being gullible—it's about the fact that fraudsters understand human psychology remarkably well.

Here are the three techniques they use most often.

1. They pressure you to act immediately

• "You only have two minutes."

• "Someone is trying to withdraw money from your account right now."

• "If you don't confirm this transaction, your account will be blocked."

When people hear statements like these, they tend to make emotional rather than rational decisions.

What should you do?

Remember one simple rule: If someone is rushing you, stop. Genuine bank employees will never require you to make an important decision within seconds.

2. They create a false sense of trust

Fraudsters may already know:

• your name;

• your phone number;

• your address;

• the last digits of your bank card;

• where you work.

This does not mean the caller is a bank employee.

Some of this information may be publicly available or obtained through data breaches.

What should you do?

Don't judge the caller by what they know—judge them by what they ask you to do.

If they ask you to share a verification code, install an application, or transfer money, end the conversation immediately.

3. They don't give you time to think

A fraudster's main goal is to prevent you from asking someone else for advice.

That's why they often say:

• "Don't tell anyone."

• "This is confidential."

• "Stay on the line."

These are some of the clearest warning signs of fraud.

What should you do?

You can always end a conversation about money by saying:

"Thank you. I'll call the bank back using its official phone number."

Remember the 30-Second Rule

Before sharing a verification code, approving a transaction, or transferring money, pause for 30 seconds and ask yourself:

• Am I being rushed?

• Am I being asked to do something I've never done before?

• Do I personally know the people I'm talking to?

If you have any doubts, stop and verify the information.

Sometimes those 30 seconds are enough to protect your money.

If you have any doubts during a phone call or online conversation, do not perform any transactions. Instead, contact Bank Kompanion directly using the official number 88-00.