Vulnerable Targets: Understanding the Psychological and Social Drivers Behind Online Fraud Victims

Cybersecurity experts and police agencies are warning about a surge in online financial fraud targeting bank cards and personal data through fake apps, websites, and malicious links. The scammers exploit specific psychological triggers that make certain people more vulnerable to these digital traps.

According to specialists, several emotional factors drive people into fraud schemes. Fear of missing out on limited-time shopping deals, greed for quick financial gains, and rushing to click links or download apps without checking their safety all play into scammers' hands. The urgency factor is particularly powerful - people make poor decisions when they feel pressured to act fast.

Dr. Fatima Al-Hamidi, a clinical psychology specialist, identified key personality traits that increase fraud vulnerability. People under financial stress or those constantly comparing themselves to others become prime targets. So do impulsive, adventurous types who don't think through consequences before acting.

Women may face higher risk than men, Al-Hamidi noted, because they tend to be more emotionally driven and trusting of authority figures. Scammers know this and craft their approaches accordingly, using emotional language and polished presentations to build false trust.

The UAE's Cybersecurity Council has identified five red flags that expose fraudulent websites. Watch for spelling errors, switched letters, missing HTTPS security protocols, unrealistic domain extensions like ".XYZ" or ".kom," and absent lock symbols in the browser bar.

The council launched a verification website in partnership with e& (formerly Etisalat) and the Global Anti-Scam Alliance at staysafe.csc.gov.ae. Users can check any website or link to see if it's legitimate or designed for phishing and fraud. This tool comes as online scams have dramatically increased over recent years.

Fake mobile apps present another major threat. These malicious programs attract users with flashy designs, fake reviews, and vague promises while actually stealing personal data and compromising privacy. The cybersecurity council warns that distinguishing between safe and dangerous apps requires checking several factors.

Safe apps typically have high average ratings with genuine user comments, clear privacy policies explaining data usage, and permission requests limited to what the app actually needs to function. Dangerous apps show missing or unclear privacy policies and request excessive access to contacts, messages, and location data.

The source of app downloads matters enormously. Third-party app stores and unknown websites often bypass security checks, exposing users to malware, data breaches, and fraud attempts. Stick to trusted app stores to protect devices and personal information.

Malicious apps can install viruses and harmful code that disable devices while stealing data. They can access contact lists, passwords, and financial information, potentially capturing banking login credentials. This leads to digital identity theft and significant financial losses. These apps also drain batteries, slow devices, and create security vulnerabilities for future attacks.

Kaspersky Lab research shows fraudulent websites use various deception methods, from spreading misinformation to promising huge stock market returns. The end goal remains consistent: trick victims into surrendering personal or financial information.

These sites may operate independently or appear as unauthorized pop-ups on legitimate websites through clickjacking attacks. Regardless of presentation method, they follow systematic approaches to attract and mislead users through what experts call social engineering.

The attack process involves three stages. First, scammers use bait to draw internet users to fraudulent sites through various distribution channels. Second, they execute the breach by getting users to take actions that expose their information or devices. Finally, they exploit victims by misusing private information for personal gain or infecting devices with malware.

Social engineering exploits human judgment rather than technical computer systems. Fraudulent sites deliberately mimic legitimate, trustworthy websites, sometimes copying government institutions. While not all scam sites are well-designed, they rely on emotional manipulation rather than visual perfection.

Three emotional triggers prove particularly effective. Urgency creates pressure through expiring offers or fake security alerts that push victims to act immediately without critical thinking. Excitement builds through attractive promises like free gift cards or get-rich-quick schemes that generate optimism while hiding potential downsides. Fear develops through fake virus infections and account alerts that trigger panic-driven actions.

For consumers and businesses, these trends signal the need for stronger digital literacy and verification habits. The financial sector faces growing pressure to implement better fraud detection systems, while governments worldwide are developing more comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks.

The economic stakes are significant. Online fraud costs individuals and businesses billions annually, with losses accelerating as scammers refine their psychological manipulation techniques. Countries that build robust cybersecurity awareness programs and verification systems will better protect their digital economies from these evolving threats.