Ever picked up a call and felt that rush of urgency? That moment when someone on the other end pushes you to act fast, like if you don’t, everything will be gone? That is exactly what scammers rely on.

I have spent a good amount of time on the front-lines of recruitment, talking to candidates across the United States and Canada. Some people, especially older candidates, answer calls without thinking twice. They trust whoever is calling. Others pause, ask questions, and try to understand who they are speaking to. That simple act of awareness gives them a huge advantage.

Scammers push. They create fake urgency. They get annoyed when you hesitate. They ask for money or personal information upfront. They give vague details that do not add up. And they rely on you reacting without thinking.

One of the biggest red flags is the type of payment they ask for. Scammers rarely give bank details. Instead, they push gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other untraceable methods. Think about it. Why would someone with genuine intentions ever ask you to pay like that? Spotting this early can save you from a lot of trouble.

Scammers usually target elderly people who have never had exposure to the true nature of the internet. They might innocently follow anything someone else says just because they do not know better themselves. It is like a ship lost at sea following a lighthouse even if it crashes into the rocks. If you have elderly people in your home, keep a close eye on them, educate them, and make sure they do not have to face humiliation because they weren’t aware enough.

Awareness is simple, but powerful. People who ask questions, take a pause, and verify details stay ahead. They are not paranoid. They are careful. They notice when something feels off, and that alone often stops scammers in their tracks.

Not everyone on the phone is a scammer. There are genuine recruiters and professionals out there. I have worked with many, especially in India, who are respectful, clear, and transparent. They never ask for money. They explain the process patiently. Even if you are not the right fit, they remain professional. Candidates who notice these traits and engage thoughtfully benefit the most.

I have also noticed a trend. Older candidates often struggle more than younger ones. They are less suspicious and take calls at face value. They rarely verify who is calling. Scammers exploit this. Candidates who pause, ask questions, and think critically naturally stay safer.

If you want to understand scammers better, watch some of the videos by Pierogi on the Scammer Payback channel. You can see exactly how scammers target people, push them with pressure, and manipulate them into making quick decisions. Watching it helps you recognize the tone, tactics, and pressure in real life.

Your Turn: Take Control
Awareness alone is not enough. You can take simple, practical steps to protect yourself:

• Pause before reacting to any urgent call or message.
• Ask questions and verify who you are speaking to.
• Never send money or provide sensitive information upfront.
• Look for professionalism and transparency. If someone rushes you or avoids clear answers, step back.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
• If you feel intimidated by something an in-call support person asks you to do, seek help. Talk to someone around you who you trust and who understands the internet. An extra step will always cost less than losing everything.
• Educate elderly people in your home. Make sure they understand the dangers and have guidance so they do not fall victim to scams or feel humiliated.

The bottom line is simple: awareness gives you power. Scammers rely on quick reactions and blind trust. Genuine people rely on honesty, patience, and clear communication. By staying alert, asking questions, and thinking critically, you can protect yourself and make better decisions.

Everyone can develop this awareness. It is not about fear or paranoia. It is about being mindful, being cautious, and knowing you have the tools to navigate these situations safely. Every small action—asking a question, pausing before responding, verifying information, seeking help, or educating others—puts you in control.

Stay aware. Take your time. Ask questions. Seek help when needed. Educate and protect those around you. Trust your instincts. Awareness is your strongest tool, and it gives you an edge that scammers cannot beat.

I have had my experience with people from Microsoft Support too, and these scammers can’t ever match the level of professionalism that they display. More about that in another post.

P.S. You do not need to be an expert to protect yourself. Just be aware. AND YES, support people don’t ask you for money.