How to Spot a Scam: The Subtle Tricks You’re Missing and How to Outsmart Them

Scams are everywhere. From phishing emails to fake investment opportunities, the threats to your business and personal life are more complex than ever. The question is: How can we spot them before it’s too late?

What if the real danger isn’t just the scam itself – but how we’re all conditioned to fall for them? The human element behind scams is often more powerful than the technology or techniques used. We might think we’re too savvy to be taken in, but the truth is, deception isn’t always what it seems.

Let’s take a moment to look at how we can all become a little more aware of the risks around us – and in turn, become better at protecting what matters most.

Why is it that some of the most advanced scams still work? The answer isn’t just technology or clever messaging. It’s psychology. Our brains are hardwired to trust others, to make decisions quickly, and often without questioning them.

This is where the danger lies. Fraudsters know how to exploit those tendencies. Whether it’s the illusion of urgency or the “too good to be true” opportunity, scammers understand exactly how to manipulate our brain’s decision-making process.

Understanding these subtle tactics is the first step toward becoming more secure. Recognising when you’re being emotionally manipulated or making decisions based on assumptions could be the key to avoiding a major breach.

It’s almost shocking to think that the oldest tricks in the book still fool people today. The Nigerian Prince scam, for example, has been around for decades, yet people still fall for it. But what’s really happening here?

Scammers rely on simple, powerful techniques: they create a sense of urgency, they rely on credibility cues, and they prey on human error. What’s fascinating is that these tactics are often embedded in our daily interactions—from that “limited-time offer” in your inbox to the way some people use charm to manipulate situations.

Here’s a takeaway: Scams aren’t always obvious. The best ones are designed to look and feel completely legitimate, and it’s the small details we overlook that give them away. The lesson? Don’t rush decisions—always take a moment to question what you’re being told.

In business, trust is everything. But as we’ve seen, trust can also be one of the biggest vulnerabilities. When systems are built on the assumption that everyone is trustworthy, or when transparency is lacking, the potential for fraud increases significantly.

The good news is that companies can create cultures of transparency that make it harder for deception to take root. Simple practices, like constant communication about security protocols and encouraging a questioning mindset, can go a long way toward building resilience against fraud.

Creating this type of culture doesn’t just protect the business; it also fosters stronger internal relationships, where everyone feels empowered to raise concerns without fear of reprimand. Building trust, ironically, means questioning trust.

Despite advances in technology, human nature remains one of the most effective tools scammers use. We like to think we’re too smart to be deceived, but the reality is that we all have weaknesses. Whether it’s a desire to help, fear of missing out, or social pressure, these emotions can cloud our judgment and make us susceptible to manipulation.

Here’s the silver lining: Recognising that vulnerability is part of being human is the first step toward protecting yourself. With a little awareness and training, we can all learn to spot these emotional triggers and better guard against them.

When fraud does strike, the immediate costs are obvious—money, time, resources. But the long-term damage can be even worse: reputation, trust, and credibility can all be tarnished in a moment.

But here’s where the opportunity lies. With a strong understanding of how scams work, organisations can bounce back stronger. Learning from a failure, understanding what went wrong, and putting measures in place to prevent it from happening again not only builds resilience but can create an even more robust company culture.

While the above tips can certainly help you start thinking about how to protect your business, what about the human side of scams – the psychology that’s almost impossible to train for on your own?

This is where Alexis Conran, expert in security and risk, can add unparalleled value. As the writer and presenter of the BBC’s The Real Hustle, Alexis knows the mind of the scammer inside and out. His deep understanding of deceptive behaviors, combined with his charismatic approach to storytelling, helps audiences recognise the warning signs and stay one step ahead.

Through tailored keynote speeches and workshops, Alexis teaches organisations how to create robust, scam-resistant cultures, while using his signature blend of real-life examples and sleight-of-hand techniques to keep people engaged and learning. His focus on human behavior and the psychology of trust makes him a go-to speaker for companies looking to protect their teams from fraud.

To enquire about booking Alexis Conran to speak at your event, contact The Speakers Agency on +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com