“I would never fall for that.”
That sentence is the most dangerous thing you can say. Scammers don’t target stupidity; they target human nature. They exploit your kindness, your fear, and your desire for a better life.
Are you a fortress of skepticism, or are you a walking target? This psychological assessment measures your “Scam IQ” based on three key vulnerability factors: Impulsivity, Agreeableness, and Overconfidence.
The 3 Pillars of Vulnerability
Why do smart people lose millions? It usually comes down to one of these three psychological triggers.
1. FOMO & Urgency (Impulsivity)
Scammers know that if you have time to think, you won’t pay. That’s why every scam has a deadline. “Your account will be suspended in 24 hours” or “This crypto offer ends in 10 minutes.” If you are the type to act fast, you are vulnerable.
2. The “Nice Guy” Syndrome (Trust)
Agreeable people—those who value social harmony and politeness—are prime targets. They find it rude to hang up on a caller or question a “support agent.” Scammers weaponize your own kindness against you.
3. The Optimism Bias (Overconfidence)
This is the silent killer. People who think “I’m too smart to be scammed” often have the worst security hygiene (simple passwords, no 2FA). They lower their guard because they believe they are invincible.
Pro Tip: The best defense is to slow down. No legitimate organization will ever demand immediate payment via gift cards or crypto. Stay wise.