Identity fraud, phishing, emails in your inbox promising you $5,000,000 dollars…there are more and more scams these days!
Here’s a post with a variety of exercises to help you learn and consolidate relevant vocabulary.
Matching game
Can you match the terms with their definitions?
| Scam | A humorous or malicious deception, often intended to trick or deceive others. |
| Fraud | The act of influencing or controlling others in a skillful or deceitful manner. |
| Phishing | The act of deceiving or tricking someone into giving away money or valuable assets. |
| Deception | Criminal activities carried out using computers or the internet, often involving fraud or deception. |
| Con artist | The act of falsifying information or disguising one’s identity online to deceive others. |
| Swindle | The act of creating a fake online identity to deceive or manipulate others, typically for romantic or fraudulent purposes. |
| Hoax | The act of coercing someone into giving money or other valuables by threatening to reveal damaging information about them. |
| Imposter | The practice of sending fake emails or messages to trick individuals into providing personal or sensitive information. |
| Scheme | To cheat or defraud someone in a deceptive manner, typically to obtain money or property. |
| Catfishing | The illegal act of obtaining someone’s personal or financial information through deceptive means for financial gain. |
| Spoofing | A fraudulent scheme designed to deceive individuals, typically involving financial gain. |
| Cybercrime | The act of obtaining money or property through coercion or threats. |
| Fake | A fraudulent investment scheme that promises high returns to investors but pays returns to earlier investors using the capital from newer investors. |
| Sham | A person who deceives others by posing as a trustworthy figure in order to exploit them. |
| Manipulation | Something that is made in imitation of something else with the intent to deceive, often in order to pass it off as genuine. |
| Extortion | Something that is not genuine or authentic, often intended to deceive or mislead. |
| Ponzi scheme | Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain. |
| Blackmail | Something that is false or fake, usually intended to deceive others. |
| Counterfeit | A person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others. |
| Identity theft | A plan or arrangement intended to achieve a particular purpose, often involving deceit or dishonesty. |
Fill in the blanks
Let’s continue consolidating this vocabulary and looking at some interesting collocations, with a ‘fill in the blanks’ exercise.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the threat of _________ looms large, casting a shadow over online interactions and financial transactions. From sophisticated fraud schemes to ____________ that can leave you thousands out of pocket, individuals must remain vigilant to protect themselves from falling victim to deception.
_____________ are adept at exploiting vulnerabilities, using a combination of charm and manipulation to lure unsuspecting victims into their web of deceit. Whether it’s through ________, __________ emails promising you millions if you transfer money onto a bank account, or fake online profiles, _________ can strike from anywhere, preying on the trust and naivety of their targets.
One of the most prevalent forms of _________ is ___________, where scammers create fake personas to establish romantic relationships with unsuspecting individuals, only to exploit them for financial gain or personal information. Similarly, _____________ involves creating false identities or personas online to deceive others, often for malicious purposes.
Phishing is another common tactic employed by scammers, where they ______________ legitimate organizations or individuals to trick victims into providing sensitive information such as passwords or credit card numbers. Meanwhile, cybercrime involves the creation of fake websites or online platforms to ______________ users into _____________ personal or financial information.
The opportunities afforded by cybercrime have made it easier than ever for scammers to carry out their nefarious activities, with cybercriminals exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks to steal data or _________ money from victims. Whether it’s through phishing attacks or malware, cybercriminals employ a range of tactics to ___________ systems and ___________ sensitive information.
Despite efforts to combat scams and fraud, scammers continue to find new ways to _____detection and exploit unsuspecting victims. From extortion to manipulation, scammers employ a diverse range of tactics to achieve their malicious objectives, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
In the face of these threats, individuals must remain vigilant and informed, arming themselves with knowledge and awareness to recognise and avoid _____________ to scams. By staying informed and understanding the tactics employed by scammers, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from ______________ to deception and fraud.
Crossword!
Why not try the crossword here?
There’s a hidden word, which is how you might feel if you’ve fallen victim to a scam.