Survey Reveals That Every Fifth Person in Russia Has Tried to Troll Phone or Online Scammers

According to a survey conducted by Kaspersky Lab in March 2023, every fifth respondent in Russia has at least once tried to troll phone or online scammers. At the same time, men acted in this way more often than women – 26.5% versus 14.5%.
The researchers say that almost one in ten (8%) of those surveyed cursed with intruders, another 6% humiliated them, and 4% talked to them about life. Another 2% of respondents tried to persuade attackers not to engage in fraud.
At the same time, the majority of respondents (61%) said that they immediately hang up or stop responding on the Internet as soon as they realize that scammers are contacting them. However, it should be noted here that men do this less often than women (50% and 69%, respectively).

Why Trolling Scammers is Not Such a Good Idea

According to experts, trolling scammers is not such a good idea as it might seem.
“If a person tries to play a trick on the attackers or insults them, then he risks suffering from retaliatory actions. For example, last year the numbers of people who played telephone scammers were later used by the latter as substitutes – during calls to other subscribers. As a result, victims of real intruders later started calling “jokers” demanding a refund,” warns Dmitry Galov, a cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky Lab.

How to Protect Yourself from Phone and Online Scammers

Phone and online scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting victims. It is important to be aware of the latest scams and to take steps to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
One of the most important steps is to be aware of the signs of a scam. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a company you do not recognize, or if you receive an email from an unfamiliar address, it is important to be suspicious. Do not provide any personal information or payment information to anyone who contacts you in this way.
It is also important to be aware of the latest scams. Be sure to research any company or individual who contacts you before providing any information or making any payments. Additionally, be sure to use strong passwords and two-factor authentication for any online accounts.
Finally, it is important to be aware of the laws in your area regarding phone and online scams. In many cases, it is illegal to engage in any type of fraud or scam. If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, it is important to report it to the authorities.
By following these steps, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of phone and online scammers. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be sure to stay vigilant and take steps to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.