Emotional Manipulation

Emotional manipulation is when scammers use feelings to push you into acting without thinking. They may trigger fear (“your account is compromised”), excitement (“you’ve won”), guilt (“I really need your help”), or empathy (“I’m in trouble”). The goal is to get you to share information, send money, or take a risky action.

This technique is powerful because emotions can override careful decision-making. Scammers often combine emotional pressure with urgency, impersonation, or personal stories to make the situation feel real. They may also isolate you by asking you to keep the conversation private or act immediately.

Examples include: a message claiming a loved one is stranded and needs money, a “refund” scam that creates panic about charges you didn’t make, or a romance scam where the person expresses strong feelings and then faces a sudden crisis. Another example is a “your child is in trouble” style message that tries to trigger immediate fear and action.

To protect yourself, pause when you feel a strong emotional reaction. Take a moment to verify the story using a trusted contact method, and talk to someone you trust before sending money or sharing personal information. If the message pressures secrecy, demands immediate action, or asks for unusual payments, treat it as a serious warning sign and step away.