W

HEN do you think you might be at your most vulnerable to a scam? Well, new research suggests it’s when we’re emotional.

Looking at some common online scams, NatWest and RBS have worked with behavioural psychologist, Jo Hemmings, to investigate the techniques scammers use to exploit victims.

They found that they often seek to exploit our emotions by tapping into our personal hopes, desires and fears – and our natural willingness to trust others and respect those who appear to be in authority. Here are the emotions scammers prey on in common digital cons.