Spammers employ psychological tactics to fool users

A study by McAfee, called “Mind Games”, tells how spammers are using psychological games and other tactics to give them apparent legitimacy.

by Helen Leggatt

Spammers are increasingly using “mind games” to fool even the most clued-up internet users, reveals a recent report by web security firm, McAfee. Bad spelling, awkwardly formed sentences and bad graphics are being replaced with slick copy and dangerously accurate logos.

But it’s not just the look and feel of the emails that is changing. More and more scammers are able to acquire sensitive, personal information such as usernames, passwords and financial details via phishing and hacking. By making spam emails appear more familiar and less like indiscriminate “junk”, and often assuming the identity of a well-known brand, they are able to fool more and more internet users to click on risky links.

"Scam spam works best by providing recipients with a sense of familiarity and legitimacy, either by creating the illusion that the email is from a friend or colleague, or providing plausible warnings from a respected institution," wrote Dr. James Blascovich, the report’s author. "Once the victim opens the email, criminals use two basic motivational processes, approach and avoidance, or a combination of the two, to persuade victims to click on dangerous links, provide personal information, or download risky files.”

The report, which can be read in full online, goes on to examine the psychological tactics that spammers use, the people who are scammed and actions that can be taken to avoid being a victim.