When you picture someone falling victim to email scams or the infamous “the IRS is coming after you” calls, you might imagine an elderly relative still using dial-up or someone who thinks hashtags are only for gardening. But the truth? I’m the one getting duped. Yep, that’s right.
I’m a 43-year-old mom who can troubleshoot my kids’ video game consoles and manage social media accounts. While I may not be the trendiest person around, I do know that “cappa” is a bad thing and “drippy” is a positive one. But when it comes to email hackers? I’m a total mark.
Just last week, I received an email from my father-in-law with the subject line “birthday gift” inquiring if we used Amazon. I thought, how thoughtful! He’s already planning for my son’s birthday and wants to know if he should get him an Amazon gift card or something. Without a second thought, I replied, “Yes, absolutely.” Then another email popped up with the same subject and question. Oh no!
After changing my password and nursing my wounded pride (how could I have fallen for this nonsense…again?!?), I just sighed. This is who I am: a person who gets ensnared by email scams.
I wish I could claim this was a one-off incident, but it’s becoming a pattern. A few years ago, I received one of those calls saying the IRS was after me due to an error on my tax return. I panicked and called my husband—who is a lawyer—believing we needed legal assistance. Did I mention I’m a lawyer too? Yet, there I was, in a frenzy. (For a good laugh, I even won a tax writing competition in law school. But yes, I fell for that ridiculous IRS scam. Ugh.)
I’ve spent a lot of time pondering why I, someone who is relatively tech-savvy and not foolish, keep falling for these tricks. I know not to click on unfamiliar links and that strange email addresses are usually a red flag. If a long-lost acquaintance sends me a late-night email with “EXCITING NEWS,” I know it’s likely a sign they’ve been hacked. Yet, I still get caught off guard. Maybe you do too.
Here’s my theory: I’m inherently trusting and can’t wrap my mind around why someone would engage in such deceitful behavior. So when I receive an odd email, my first instinct isn’t to suspect a hacker is after my money. Instead, I think it’s a well-meaning relative trying to navigate online shopping. And when I get a call from the not-so-IRS, I immediately assume it’s my fault for a mistake on my taxes and that I need to get it sorted.
Of course, I’m aware that these scammers exist. I know people can be malicious. As someone who writes online, I’ve received my fair share of nasty and aggressive messages over the years. However, my heart and subconscious mind struggle to accept that reality. My gut is to trust others and believe in humanity’s better side, and I won’t apologize for that.
So feel free to chuckle at my expense for all the times I’ve been duped by email scams. I can laugh at myself for these silly mistakes. But I refuse to let these blunders make me feel foolish. I am not foolish; I am simply trusting. And for that, I stand proud. But yes, I will remember to update my passwords regularly.
For more insights, check out this other blog post that discusses similar topics. If you’re interested in home insemination, you can also refer to Make a Mom, an authority on this subject. And for in-depth information on pregnancy, visit Healthline’s excellent resource on IVF.
Search Queries:
- How to avoid email scams?
- What to do if I’ve been scammed?
- Signs of a phishing email.
- Best practices for online security.
- How to protect personal information online?
Summary:
This article explores the author’s humorous take on falling victim to email scams, despite being relatively tech-savvy. It highlights a personal story of being tricked by a phishing email and reflects on the trusting nature that leads to such incidents. The author embraces their trusting disposition while acknowledging the need for better online security practices.
Leave a Reply