Estimating the exact number of people who fall victim to financial scams every day is difficult due to underreporting and data collection challenges. However, based on available surveys, they suggest an average of 7,123 people get scammed every day in the US.
Scammers are people who trick others into giving them money or personal information. One of the main ways they succeed is by using emotional manipulation, which means they play with our feelings. Understanding how this works can help us avoid falling for scams, especially when we think about what the Bible teaches us.
Many scams take advantage of strong feelings like a Christian’s desire to serve, greed, or loneliness. For example, someone who is struggling with money might be drawn to a scam that promises to make them rich quickly. The dream of having more money can make them ignore the warning signs that something isn’t right. The Bible warns us about the dangers of greed and teaches that true wealth is not just about money (1 Timothy 6:10).
Loneliness is another powerful emotion that can lead people into scams. When people feel alone, they often look for connection and friendship. The Bible talks about the importance of being together and supporting one another (Hebrews 10:24-25). Scammers know this, so they create fake relationships online to gain trust. When people are longing for companionship, they may overlook signs that they are being taken advantage of.
The desire to serve is another feeling that scammers use to manipulate people. They create a sense of urgency, making you feel like you need to act immediately. The Bible teaches us not to be anxious and to trust in God (Philippians 4:6-7). But when we are scared or stressed, we might forget this message and make decisions too quickly. It’s important to remember to have faith and take our time, even when things feel urgent.
Christian values teach us about making wise choices. The book of Proverbs tells us to seek knowledge and understanding, which helps us to avoid being tricked (Proverbs 2:2-5). When we feel emotional pressure to make a decision, it can be helpful to pause and talk to someone we trust—like a financial adviser, a pastor, or a trusted friend—before acting. Having a supportive community can help us resist scams better.
As Christians, we have to understand the boundaries between our calling to show love and kindness and being vulnerable to emotional manipulation. The Bible encourages us to be careful with our resources, including our feelings. By being aware of how scammers operate, we can protect ourselves and those around us.
In summary, scams use emotional manipulation to take advantage of our feelings. In the absence of properly set boundaries, emotions can cloud our judgment. By following Christian values like discernment, community support, and love, we can be stronger against these tricks. Educating ourselves, setting boundaries, and being there for each other makes us better prepared to handle the challenges and protects us from scams. Let’s work together to keep our hearts and minds safe while spreading love and understanding in our communities.
Michael Wallin, Certified Financial Planner ™. For more information, please see www.panthrex.com.
