Scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick people out of their money. One tactic that has become more common is scammers asking to do a video call with potential victims. But will a scammer actually agree to a video call? There are a few factors to consider when determining if a scammer will video chat.
Why Scammers Ask for Video Calls
There are a few reasons why scammers may request a video call:
– To build trust and rapport with the victim. By talking face-to-face, the scammer hopes to make the victim feel more comfortable with them. This can cause the victim to let their guard down.
– To verify the victim is a real person. Scammers want to confirm they are actually communicating with a potential victim, not a bot or someone who will report them.
– To gauge reactions and adapt manipulation tactics accordingly. Through a video call, scammers can better read victims’ reactions and body language. This allows them to fine-tune their scam approach.
– To add pressure or a sense of urgency. Scammers may claim they need to video chat before moving forward with a transaction. This can make victims feel like they need to comply.
– To minimize a paper trail. Video chats don’t leave the same records as phone calls or email exchanges. This helps scammers cover their tracks.
Scammer Concerns with Video Calls
While video calls can help scammers manipulate victims, they also pose some risks:
– Increased likelihood of getting caught. Video provides victims and authorities with recordings that can help identify scammers.
– Need to mask real identity. Scammers have to take measures to hide their real face, location, etc. during video chats to avoid being recognized.
– Technical complications. Issues like poor internet connectivity, camera/microphone problems, etc. can disrupt video calls and raise suspicions.
– Harder to fake credibility. It’s easier for scammers to pretend to be someone they’re not via email or phone versus on live video.
– Requires more effort. Setting up and conducting video calls is more labor-intensive than other contact methods.
Will Scammers Agree to a Video Call?
So will a scammer actually follow through and do a video call with a potential victim? There is no definitive yes or no answer, but here are some general guidelines:
– Scammers will sometimes conduct video calls if they feel the payoff will be worth it. For example, if they believe they can swindle someone out of a lot of money.
– They are more likely to video chat if they have experience masking their identity and navigating technical issues. Amateur scammers tend to avoid video.
– Scams involving romantic relationships or the sale of high-value items frequently use video chats to build trust. But scams about things like compromised accounts tend not to video chat.
– Overseas scammers in places like India are more likely to agree to video calls than domestic scammers since they know they are harder to track down.
– Scammers often use prerecorded videos or employ accomplices rather than chat with victims themselves. This allows them to fake conversations.
– Any scammer that does video chat will keep their guard up. They will be careful to control the view and angle of the camera.
Tips to Assess if a Scammer Will Video Chat
There are a few things potential victims can do to evaluate if a scammer will actually follow through on a video call:
– Gauge how insistent the scammer is on video chatting. High pressure equals higher likelihood.
– Ask them for multiple examples of their identity like workplace ID, driver’s license, etc. Authentic people will provide while scammers will avoid.
– Look up the name, company, email, and phone number they give you. See if they are associated with known scams.
– Ask them to have the video call immediately instead of scheduling for later. Scammers usually need time to prepare.
– Watch their reaction if you say your camera is broken. Scammers will often quickly lose interest or get defensive.
– Use your phone camera and another device for the call. This allows you to record video of them even if they just show a prerecorded video of someone else.
Scam Tactics Used in Video Calls
If a scammer does agree to video chat, some common tactics they use include:
– Only showing a still image or prerecorded video of someone else instead of their live face.
– Keeping the camera at obscure angles like pointing down at the desk so their face is never shown.
– Wearing hats, glasses, masks, or other items to conceal their identity.
– Having staged backgrounds like fake office or homemade sets to look legitimate.
– Pretending the microphone doesn’t work so they never have to speak and reveal their real voice.
– Claiming the camera is broken whenever they are asked to show something specific.
– Playing pre-recorded clips of someone speaking so you think you are talking to a live person.
– Only communicating via text chat while on the video call to avoid using their real voice.
– Having the camera move jerkily or freeze up frequently to blame technical problems and hide their movements.
Red Flags Someone is Using Video Call Tactics
Here are some red flags that suggest someone you are video chatting with is actually a scammer:
– They refuse to show their full face on camera.
– You never see them talk or their lips match words.
– Their camera shows generic backgrounds like an office.
– You can’t find any online evidence of their supposed name or company.
– They always have “technical problems” when asked to show something specific.
– The video freezes, loops, or moves unnaturally during the call.
– They type messages instead of talking out loud.
– They seem to have notes just off camera they keep referring to.
– Movements and talking don’t align smoothly as would be expected on a live call.
Best Practices for Video Calls
If you need to video chat with someone you don’t know well, use these best practices to protect yourself:
– Talk first over the phone to recognize their voice before video chatting.
– Confirm multiple pieces of their identity like full name, company, title, etc.
– Ask them to show a government ID like a driver’s license on the video call.
– Have them join the call from their supposed office or workplace if relevant.
– Record the call using screen recording software without notifying them.
– Conduct a reverse image search using screenshots of them to check for use elsewhere.
– Look for cues of prerecorded videos like repetition, static backgrounds, scripted speech patterns.
– Avoid sharing any sensitive information until you can independently verify who you are talking to.
Table of Video Call Red Flags
| Red Flag | Potential Indication |
|---|---|
| Refusal to show face | Hiding identity |
| Static/fake backgrounds | Staged setting |
| “Technical problems” | Avoiding showing incriminating info |
| No audible talking | Pre-recorded video |
| Typing only | Hiding real voice |
Avoiding Video Call Scams
Here are some tips to avoid becoming victimized by a scam involving video calls:
– Be wary anytime a stranger insists on video chatting out of the blue. Understand their motives may be dishonest.
– Don’t assume talking face-to-face necessarily means someone is who they claim to be. Scammers can be convincing over video too.
– Dig into their backstory instead of relying just on what you see or hear during a call. Check professional records, call places they mention, etc.
– Ask them challenging questions on the call to observe how they respond on the spot versus a planned script.
– Whenever possible, opt for an alternate verification method than video chatting.
– Don’t hesitate to end a video call if you become suspicious or uncomfortable. Protecting yourself is more important than being polite.
How to Check if Someone is Real
If you meet someone online who requests a video call, take these steps to verify if they are real before calling:
– Do a reverse image search on their profile pictures to check for use elsewhere. Scammers steal pics.
– Look up their name, company, school, etc. to confirm they match the details given.
– Call places they claim an association with to verify their claims.
– Check social media for signs their identity matches up with what they’ve told you.
– Ask for a copy of a utility bill or banking statement to confirm identifying info.
– Have them add you as a connection on professional sites like LinkedIn to check shared networks.
– See if you can find any records of them online that match what they’ve told you about their life, education, career, etc.
Conclusion
While most scammers will avoid agreeing to a video call, some more sophisticated operations will accommodate them in hopes of landing bigger payoffs from victims. Scammers who do video chat take measures to conceal their real identities and locations.
Potential victims should be on high alert for red flags anytime a stranger pushes for video chatting. Always independently verify someone’s identity and claims before trusting a video call alone. With vigilance and safe practices, you can avoid being manipulated during video chats by scammers.