The Psychology of the Scam: Understanding Modern Social Engineering

Person holding phone with multiple email notifications

Though the movies may suggest cyber attacks are conducted by men in masks, tapping away in their basement and hacking into mainframes, the majority of cyber incidents are instead down to the successful hacking of human behaviour.

Rather than sophisticated software attacks, manipulating psychology is often the greatest tool in an attackers arsenal. Such a method is often referred to as Social Engineering, and defined as the art of exploiting human behaviour to breach security measures and allow the cyber scaries into your systems.

Whether you run a small brand or business, have a big platform online or simply want to watch your own back, here are the key social engineering scams in 2025 you need to watch out for. We’ll be focusing on those delivered through social platforms but remember such cons can come from any angle.

Common Social Engineering Attacks on Social Media

1. Verification Badge Scams

One of the most prevalent attacks targets the modern desire, and often need, for legitimacy. Scammers pose as platform representatives, promising verification badges through "expedited processes" creating convincing fake emails or direct messages that appear to be from the platform's support team.

For example, imagine you’re a creator who receives a message claiming to be from "Instagram Support" stating your account has been selected for verification. The message includes a link to a fake portal that capture your login credentials and chaos ensues.

2. Copyright Infringement Notices

These attacks prey on brand’s fear of losing their accounts or facing legal action. Scammers send urgent notices about alleged copyright violations, demanding immediate action through malicious links.

Example: You’re a business owner who receives an official-looking email claiming their recent post violates copyright law suggesting your account will be deleted unless you “respond” via a provided link within the 20 minutes.

3. Security Breach Notifications

Attackers can create a false sense of urgency by alerting users to supposed account compromises, prompting immediate action through fraudulent security checkpoints.

Example: A fake but convincing security alert appears claiming suspicious login attempts from unknown devices, to block the attempt and retain access to your account you are required to verify your identity via a spoofed login page.

4. Follower Generator Scams

These scams target content creators eager to grow their following quickly. Fraudsters promise instant follower growth through "organic" methods or "exclusive" tools, often leading to compromised accounts or financial fraud.

Example: A creator receives a message advertising a "private follower boost tool" that guarantees thousands of real followers within days, requiring account credentials or payment to access the service.

5. Brand Partnership Scams

Scammers pose as legitimate companies offering lucrative collaboration opportunities. They often request sensitive information or upfront payments for "exclusive" partnerships.

Example: A ‘representative’ from one of your favourite brands contacts you directly. They’re offering unusually high compensation offer under the condition you decide quickly. There’s little in the way of a contract. To go ahead they will require your logins, not to mention your banking details in order to pay you.

Person sitting on curb with phone in hand

The Psychology Behind Social Engineering

Understanding why we are vulnerable to these attacks is crucial for prevention. And, I say ‘we’ genuinely. I have fallen victim many a time, as has perhaps one of the savviest security experts on the internet, Troy Hunt, which he details brilliantly here.

Several psychological factors make us vulnerable:

  • Authority Bias: We tend to comply with requests from perceived authority figures, especially when they claim to represent popular platforms.

  • Fear and Urgency: When threatened with account deletion or legal action, our decision-making becomes compromised by panic.

  • Social Proof: If an attack appears to target multiple users or includes testimonials, we're more likely to consider it legitimate.

  • Opportunity Bias: The promise of benefits (like verification badges or increased visibility) can override our natural skepticism.

Stressed person looking at laptop with head in hands

Defence Strategies Against Social Engineering

Protecting yourself and your business requires a multi-layered approach:

1. Implement Strong Authentication Practices

  • Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts. However, be aware that these aren’t wholly impenetrable and can be exploited too

  • Use unique, complex passwords for each platform. A password manager can make this a little easier on yourself.

  • Never reuse passwords across different services

2. Establish Verification Protocols

  • Create procedures for verifying unusual requests

  • Never click links in unexpected emails or messages

  • Verify requests through official platform channels only

3. You’re only as secure as your team. If you have others working on your platforms, don’t neglect the following:

  • Regular security awareness training

  • Create clear communication channels for reporting suspicious activities

  • Establish protocols for handling sensitive information

4. Platform-Specific Security Measures

It’s important to spend time familiarising yourself with the security settings for each, but in short, remember that official platforms will never:

  • Ask for your password through email or direct message

  • Threaten immediate account deletion without proper process

  • Request payment for verification through unofficial channels

5. Don’t forget the basics

Stay vigilant with these small but mighty security measures:

  1. Regularly monitor account activity for unauthorised or strange changes

  2. Keep software and systems updated with latest security patches

  3. Maintain backup accounts and contact information

Social engineering attacks continue to evolve, but understanding their psychological foundations and implementing robust security practices can significantly reduce their effectiveness. For those of you who are content creators and/or running small businesses, the key is maintaining a balance between accessibility and security while fostering a culture of awareness.

Remember: When in doubt, verify independently. Never act under pressure, and always approach unexpected requests with healthy skepticism. Your security is only as strong as your weakest human link.

Thanks for reading! See you next week.

Madeline


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