How fraudsters exploited our fears during the 'scamdemic'

This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.

To figure out

To be in a rush

To warn 

To claim (something) 

To exploit (someone/ something)

To take advantage of something/ someone 

Vulnerable 

Since

Convincing 

To appear to be 

To fall for (something) 

To flourish

Sophisticated 

To be reliant on (something/ someone) 

Bait

To drop your guard

A hoax

Foolproof

To lure (someone) 

An uptick (in something) 

15-fold

Gullible

To scrutinise (someone/ something)

To make matters worse

To pull the wool over someone’s eyes

15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.

1. What type of messages did the author receive?

2. What three ‘simple rules of deception’ are mentioned in the article?

3. Does Norris think that it’s only older people who are at risk?

4. What advice do Norris and Gonzalez give for protecting ourselves against scammers?

5. ‘I don’t know anybody who has been scammed.’ Is this true for you?

6. ‘I’m far too intelligent to fall for a scam.’ Is this true for you?

7. ‘Smartphones have made the world a worse place.’ Do you agree?

8. ‘All scammers are evil people.’ Do you agree?

9. ‘I know how to stay calm when I’m in a stressful situation.’ Is this true for you?

10. ‘I’m very good at recognising if someone is lying or not.’ Is this true for you?

11. ‘I believe in Karma.’ Is this true for you?

12. ‘I believe that big companies are secretly listening to me and watching me through my devices.’ Is this true for you?

13. ‘Without poverty, there would be no crime.’ Do you agree?

14. ‘I never take any risks that could make me a victim of crime.’ Is this true for you?

15. ‘I feel like the crime rate where I live is decreasing.’ Is this true for you?