Digital deception covers a broad landscape, and recognizing the signs in written messages is essential for staying safe. Experts from Roskachestvo’s Center for Digital Expertise explain that scammers often reveal themselves through simple, repeatable patterns. Sergey Kuzmenko, who leads information security there, points out five practical tokens you can use to spot a scam in text communications and avoid becoming a victim.
The first signal is the sender’s unusually high level of activity. When the initiator pushes for many actions with a sense of urgency, especially without giving you time to think, it is a warning sign. Hasty requests and constant pressure are classic tactics used to derail careful consideration and push someone toward a reckless decision.
A second clue is a one dimensional focus on money. If the other party shows little or no interest in the product’s quality, features, or legitimate use, but keeps steering the conversation toward payment, that indicates a financial motive behind the message rather than a legitimate exchange.
The third tell is the abrupt push to share financial details. This can include asking for bank account or card numbers, quick money transfer instructions, or sprinting through voice codes from bank notifications. Kuzmenko emphasizes that legitimate providers never require sensitive codes or payment data through informal channels.
The fourth indicator involves emotional manipulation. A scammer may attempt to provoke fear or flattery with a single line, implying that any problem can be solved by paying a small fee or complying with an unusual demand. The aim is to warm or alarm the reader just enough to override cautious thinking.
Finally, the fifth signal is urgency with pressure. The message will insist on immediate action, often under the banner of preserving a deal or solving an urgent problem. This pressure creates discomfort and distracts from reasonable risk assessment, signaling it is wise to disengage and review the situation calmly.
For personal safety, Kuzmenko recommends routing all financial activity through a dedicated, verifiable account where transactions and wallet updates remain visible. Never enter card information in response to a chat link or request, and avoid following links that promise quick payouts. A practical habit is to document important steps—taking screenshots of exchanges and photographing goods before shipment can provide a clear record should a dispute arise. These practices build a transparent trail and reduce the risk of fraud in everyday digital transactions, according to the Roskachestvo center’s guidance.
A former Digital Economy League specialist adds that when using chatbots or new digital tools, users should test responses with neutral information first and verify the source through official channels before sharing sensitive details. This cautious approach helps users separate legitimate assistance from deceptive prompts and keeps personal data secure. The overarching message remains the same: think before you act, verify who you are dealing with, and keep financial data off the table in any unsolicited correspondence. It is through prudence and steady routines that online safety becomes second nature, not an afterthought.
In summary, understanding these five signs—excessive urgency, money-centered focus, requests for financial data, emotional manipulation, and high-pressure immediacy—gives readers a practical framework for evaluating messages. With deliberate habits and careful verification, individuals can guard their finances and protect their digital identities in today’s connected world. The guidance from Roskachestvo and its partners reflects a growing standard of vigilance that helps people stay one step ahead of scammers in both Canada and the United States.