Pause and Protect: How “Take Five, Ask Two” Can Shield You from Scams
Scams are everywhere, hiding behind emails, text messages, social media posts, and even friendly phone calls. In today’s digital world, fraudsters are more convincing than ever, preying on our trust, sense of urgency, and desire to help. The emotional and financial fallout can be devastating. But what if a brief pause could be your greatest defense?
Understanding the Principle
The idea is simple but powerful: when faced with a situation that feels urgent, suspicious, or too good to be true, take five minutes before acting. During this pause, reach out to two people you trust—family, friends, or advisors—to get their perspective. This approach uses time and trusted perspectives to break the pressure scammers rely on.
- Take Five: Give yourself five minutes before responding or acting. This brief pause breaks the emotional urgency scammers create and gives you time to think clearly.
- Ask Two: Consult two trusted individuals. Their objectivity can help spot red flags you may overlook in the moment.
Why Are We Vulnerable to Scams?
It’s easy to assume that only the naive fall victim to scams, but anyone can be caught off guard. Scammers constantly evolve, using technology and psychological tactics to exploit emotions.
They may impersonate a bank, government agency, loved one in distress, or even a romantic partner. Their messages spark panic, hope, secrecy, or fear—anything to push you into quick action. In these moments, even the most rational person can act impulsively.
Cautionary Tale
Headlines recently told the heartbreaking story of a woman who lost $800,000 to a romance scam. The scammer gained her trust, gradually escalating requests for money, draining all her savings.
It’s easy to read such stories with disbelief but that disbelief is exactly what scammers count on.
What could have changed the outcome? If she had paused and talked to someone she trusted, the red flags might have become obvious.
How Taking Five Minutes Changes Everything
In just five minutes, you can:
- Re-read the message or mentally replay the phone call, looking for inconsistencies.
- Do a quick online search for the scam scenario or phone number.
- Recall whether you’ve heard of similar scams from the news or friends.
This short pause can interrupt the scammer’s momentum and put you back in control.
The Power of Asking Two Trusted People
Scammers thrive on secrecy and isolation. They’ll often insist you keep things confidential, claiming urgency or privacy.
Reaching out to two trusted people doubles your chance of spotting a scam. Others may notice suspicious details you’ve missed. Even if you’re embarrassed, it’s far better to ask questions now than to regret staying silent later.
Good people to ask include:
- A close family member or friend who knows your habits and can spot when something seems out of character.
- A trusted advisor, such as your investment advisor, financial planner, or lawyer.
What Advisors Bring to the Table
When I heard the story of the romance scam, I couldn’t help but think that if this person had a close relationship with an advisor, the losses might have been prevented.
Advisors bring more than technical expertise. We offer a clear, objective view, especially when emotions cloud judgement.
One of our key roles is tracking your financial health, whether it’s setting aside funds for specific goals or creating a financial projection to map future income and expenses.
If planned funds are suddenly depleted or withdrawals spike unexpectedly, we ask uncomfortable but necessary questions that can stop a scam in its tracks.
Practical Steps to Protect Yourself—Starting Today
Here’s how you can apply “Take Five, Ask Two” in your everyday life:
- Be skeptical of urgency. Legitimate organizations rarely demand immediate financial action.
- Never share personal or financial information unless you initiate contact and are certain of the recipient’s identity.
- If someone asks you to keep something secret, that is a red flag. Reach out to others, especially when you’re told not to.
- Educate yourself and others about common scams. Share stories and resources to raise awareness.
Stop Scams Together: Sharing the Wisdom
By sharing stories and encouraging open conversations about scams, we create a culture of vigilance that scammers struggle to penetrate.
Talk to your children about online safety. Check in regularly with elderly family members. Remind loved ones to pause and consult someone they trust before acting on unexpected requests. We all have a role to play in protecting one another.
Pause. Ask. Protect.
In a world where scams are increasingly sophisticated, our greatest defense isn’t just technology – it’s human connection and common sense.
Take five minutes. Ask two people. Protect yourself and those you love.
That small pause could make all the difference.
