skip navigation to read the content
 
About OCBA Contact us Audio Discussion papers Consumer advice Scam alert Births deaths & marriages Tenancies Youth advice Business advice Real estate Licensing Incorporated Associations Co-operatives Product safety Trade measurement Online services Fees Forms Languages Newsletters Publications Links Frequently asked questions Feedback Sitemap
SA Government logo SA Central logo
 > Scam alert  > Why do scams work?

Why do scams work?

Scams can be very sophisticated; they can look 'real' to an unsuspecting person. You may need to make an effort to uncover the truth behind the gloss. On the other hand, some scams succeed even when the offer is quite unrealistic.

Scams work because we can all be victims of wishful thinking. We would all like to have more than we have, and when someone offers us the answer to our wildest dreams it is very hard to say 'no'. After all, what if it were a legitimate offer and we were to miss out?

Another reason scams work is that they engage our emotions. The scammer may elicit your sympathy, your concern for others, your desire for success, your insecurities.. even your greed.

The scammer may make you feel intimidated. They may rush you by skimmng over complex details and making those issues sound too boring to bother with. Sometimes people may say 'yes' just to get rid of the person harassing them.




Copyright | Disclaimer | Privacy | Webmaster | Accessibility | Last modified: 22 February 2008
Copyright
Information on copyright for the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website is provided on behalf of South Australia Central http://www.sacentral.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=60

Disclaimer
Information on the disclaimer for the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website is provided on behalf of South Australia Central http://www.sacentral.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=61

Privacy
The South Australian Office of Consumer and Business Affairs (OCBA) is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information, consistent with the South Australian Government's Information Privacy Principles. If you would like to view the full privacy statement please visit: http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/privacy.html

Webmaster
If you wish to provide feedback on the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website please contact the Webmaster via email mailto:webmaster@agd.sa.gov.au

Accessibility
Information on accessibility for the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website can be viewed at: http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/accessibility.html
Resources
Contact us about scams

Legislation for scams

Links about scams

Publications for scams