Why scams feel convincing

Scammers create urgency, fear or excitement so you act before checking. They may know names, addresses or family details from public information. A familiar voice or caller ID is not proof: voices can be cloned and caller details can be spoofed.

You do not need to decide whether a message is fake while the sender is waiting. Your safest first move is to stop the conversation.

• Urgency Act now, keep it secret or something bad will happen.

• Unusual payment Gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfer or a payment app chosen by the caller.

• Unexpected access A request for a password, code, bank detail or remote control of a device.