Most of us knew or faced a bully when we were young.  

And it hurts.  

A bully gains their power by playing on our emotions, normally fear. If they can drive us to the point of sheer panic, they know we are putty in their hands. 

Well, a scammer works in exactly the same way.  

Which is why they send messages, designed to panic us. Including words such as ‘urgent,’ ‘immediate,’ ‘attention’ and ‘termination.’ 

They know if they can panic us, we are likely to fall into their trap. 

What can help? 

Be CALM: 

C – Consider (the fact this could be a scam, especially if we feel pressured) 

A – Analyse (the evidence. Is the caller asking for personal details? Does the email contain a link?) 

L – Look (to an official source. Contact the person on a different phone using a legitimate number, reply to a legitimate email address or open a new browser and navigate to their official web site) 

M – Manage (the situation without emotion) 

So never panic, stay calm and don’t let the bully win.