Cyber Crimes & Kindness: When Being Helpful Costs You $30,000

Let’s talk about something that’s becoming all too common in today’s digital world: cyber crimes. Not the Hollywood-style hacking with green code raining down the screen, but the sneaky, manipulative kind that preys on good-hearted people who just want to help.

Recently, one of my clients—an intelligent, thoughtful person—was taken for $30,000. Why? Because they wanted to be helpful. That’s it. No reckless clicking, no shady websites. Just a desire to do the right thing.

Here’s how it usually goes:

You get a text or email from what looks like your bank, a vendor, or even your boss. It’s urgent. They need your help. Maybe it’s a payment issue, a login problem, or a request for verification. You want to be responsive, so you reply. You click. You share. And just like that—your money, your data, your peace of mind—gone.

The Golden Rule of Cyber Safety
If you didn’t start the conversation, don’t trust it.

Delete the text.
Ignore the email.
Hang up the phone.
Then, call the organization directly using a verified number. Nine times out of ten, you’ll find out they never reached out.

Why It Works
Cyber criminals are master manipulators. They use urgency, fear, and even flattery to get you to act fast. They know that helpful people are more likely to respond without questioning. That’s why kindness, ironically, can be a vulnerability.

But here’s the good news: awareness is power. The more we talk about these scams, the harder it becomes for criminals to succeed.

10 Cyber Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

1. Hang Up on Suspicious Calls
   If someone claims to be from the IRS, Social Security, or a bank and asks for personal info—hang up. These agencies will never call to demand payment or sensitive data.

2. Don’t Trust Emails Asking for Urgent Action
   Scammers often create fake emails that look real. If an email says “act now” or threatens consequences, don’t click anything. Call the organization directly using a verified number.

3. Use Strong Passwords
   Avoid using names, birthdays, or simple words. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. A password manager can help keep track.

4. Enable Two-Step Verification
   Add a second layer of protection—like a code sent to your phone—before logging into accounts.

5. Pause Before You Pay
   If someone asks for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, it’s a scam. Always verify before sending money.

6. Check Bank and Credit Statements Regularly
   Look for unfamiliar charges. Report anything suspicious immediately. Or get notifications whenever a charge over a certain amount is made or when the card is not present.

7. Install Antivirus Software
   Keep your computer or tablet protected with up-to-date antivirus software. It helps block malicious websites and downloads.

8. Attend Community Cyber Safety Workshops
   Many libraries, senior centers, and banks offer free classes on how to stay safe online.

9. Freeze Your Credit
   If you’re not planning to apply for credit soon, freezing it can prevent identity theft.

10. Report Scams
    If you think you’ve been targeted, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or contact your bank right away.

Final Thought
Being helpful is a beautiful trait. But in the digital world, it needs to be paired with caution. So next time you get that “urgent” message, take a breath, verify the source, and protect yourself.