Fraud schemes are not just about stealing data—they're about exploiting universal psychological triggers: greed, fear, loneliness, trust, and ignorance. Understanding these human vulnerabilities is the first step to protecting yourself and others.
The next time a message seems too good to be true—or too urgent to ignore—pause and ask yourself: “Is this playing on my emotions?” That simple question might just save your money, your data, and your peace of mind.
Session I: Common Frauds and Scams
Frauds and scams are rampant nowadays, and the FBI website lists 20 common types, organized alphabetically. Take a moment to explore the categories that interest you most—and learn how to stay safe. Do yourself a favor: be crime smart.
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you ... nd%20Scams
Feel free to check out the FBI’s podcast episode titled “Inside the FBI: Fighting Fraud.”
https://www.fbi.gov/audio-repository/in ... 1.mp3/view
Adoption Fraud (領養詐騙)
Business and Investment Fraud (商業和投資詐騙)
Business Email Compromise (商務電子郵件詐騙)
Charity and Disaster Fraud (慈善和災難詐騙)
Consumer Fraud Schemes (消費者詐騙)
Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud (加密貨幣投資詐騙)
Cryptocurrency Job Scams (加密貨幣工作詐騙)
Elder Fraud (老年人詐騙)
Election Crimes and Security (選舉犯罪和安全)
Health Care Fraud (醫療保健詐騙)
Holiday Scams (節日詐騙)
Money Mules (洗錢騾)
Ransomware (勒索軟體)
Romance Scams (愛情詐騙)
Sextortion (性勒索)
Skimming (盜刷)
Spoofing and Phishing (假冒與網路釣魚)
Tech Support Scams (技術支援詐騙)
Timeshare Fraud (分時度假產權詐騙)
[Questions]
1. Have you or anyone close to you ever been a victim of a scam? What kind of scam was it and how did it happen?
2. What common behaviors or tactics do scammers typically use? Are there specific warning signs that can help people recognize potential scams?
3. Why might scam victims hesitate to report what happened or even deny being scammed? What are the reasons behind the low reporting rates of fraud cases?
4. How do you think fraud techniques will evolve over the next decade? Will preventing fraud become more difficult or easier in that time, and why?
5. What measures can governments take to improve public fraud prevention? If you could design a crowdsourced anti-fraud platform, how would it promote cooperation and reward participation?
Session II: The Psychology of Scams
https://www.ccfcu.org/the-psychology-of-scams/
1. Greed – The Desire to Gain Big With Little Effort
2. Fear – The Urge to Avoid Threats or Punishment
3. The Need for Love and Connection – Especially Among the Lonely
4. Trust in Authority – When Titles Create Blind Compliance
5. Information Gaps and Lack of Digital Literacy
6. Cognitive Biases – Heuristics as Mental Shortcuts
7. Social Proof and Scarcity – Herd Behavior and Urgency
8. Reciprocity and Commitment – Traps of Obligation and Consistency
9. Cognitive Overload, Time Pressure & Emotional State
10. Personality Traits: Impulsiveness, Low Self-Control, and Risk-Seeking
[Questions]
1 Why are some people more likely to be victims of scams? What background or personal traits make someone more vulnerable to fraud?
2. Why do you think people continue to invest time or money in situations they suspect might be scams?
3. What is your reaction to the words "free", “countdown timers” and "limited-time only”? What types of offers make you most suspicious of a scam?
4. In what ways do you think scammers might take advantage of people's empathy, and how has that shaped your own approach to helping others?
5. When many people around you are involved in an investment or opportunity, do you feel safer and more likely to follow the group’s decision, even if you have doubts?
6. Under what circumstances would you trust a stranger? When it comes to scams, how do you strike a balance between trusting others and questioning their intentions without becoming overly doubtful?
Agenda:
3:45 ~ 4:00pm Greetings & Free Talk / Ordering Beverage or Meal / Getting Newcomer’s Information
4:00 ~ 4:10pm Opening Remarks / Newcomer’s Self-introduction / Grouping
(Session I)
4:10 ~ 4:50pm Discussion Session (40 mins)
4:50 ~ 5:10pm Summarization (20 mins)
5:10 ~ 5:20pm Regrouping / Instruction Giving / Short Break (Intermission)
(Session II)
5:15 ~ 5:55pm Discussion Session (40 mins)
6:00 ~ 6:20pm Summarization (20 mins)
6:20 ~ 6:30pm Concluding Remarks / Announcements
Meeting Date: As shown on the Subject Line
Meeting Time: 4:00pm – 6:30pm
Meeting Venue: 丹堤咖啡 Dante Coffee (Minimum Order $85)
Address: 台北市濟南路三段25號[MAP]-捷運忠孝新生站3號出口步行3分鐘
Important Notes:
1. We suggest that participants read the articles and think about the questions in advance.
2. Newcomers should prepare a two-to-three-minute self-introduction in English to deliver when called upon by the host before the start of the discussion.
3. We welcome newcomers and other guests to attend the meetings and join the discussion freely for three times. After that, we hope you will consider becoming a YoYo English Club member. We charge a NT$1000 lifetime membership fee, or NT$500 for students.
