Edina Resident Waves the Red Flag: Know the Language Tricks Used by Scammers in Minnesota!
A Minnesotan shares his close call with an email scam. Learn how to spot seven common language tricks used by scammers in Minnesota. đ #News #EdinaMN #Minnesota #Scams
EDINA, MN – “Dear” readers, if youâve noticed an uptick in strange emails and texts lately, you’re definitely not alone. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using deceptive language to trick people into giving up personal information. And earlier this week, one Minnesotan almost fell for it.
âI had to pause,â Lars Johnson of Edina recalled with a laugh. âI mean, I knew it probably wasnât a real notice from the State of Minnesota, but it sure looked convincing.â
Whether itâs a fake government notice or an unbelievable prize, these scams are designed to catch you off guard.
âIt even had an official-looking seal,â Johnson explained. âThatâs what really made me second-guess myself. It wasnât until I noticed some weird grammar that I realized something was off.â
Spotting these scams can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s how you can tell if youâre being targeted.
Watch Out for Grammar Errors
One of the clearest giveaways in scam emails and texts is poor grammar. Official communication from companies and government agencies is typically polished and professional. If you notice a lot of grammatical mistakes, itâs a sign to be cautious.
Sometimes, bad grammar is intentional. Scammers may use it to weed out people who are more likely to notice errors and be suspicious. But often, itâs just a result of the scammers not being skilled writers. If the message reads like a confusing jumble of words, be wary.
Unusual Phrases Like “Kindly”
Another red flag is when scammers use phrases that sound a little off, like “kindly” instead of “please.” In some regions, “kindly” is a common term, but it’s less frequent in American English. If someone claiming to be from a U.S. company is asking you to “kindly” provide information or “do the needful,” it’s time to question the message’s authenticity.
Similarly, misplaced punctuation or capitalization can be a sign. Random capital letters or poorly placed commas are often a clue that the message wasnât crafted by a legitimate organization. If you’re ever unsure, take a moment to think about whether the sender would really be in such a hurry that theyâd miss basic grammar rules.
Watch for Affectionate Language
Scammers often use generic terms of endearment like “dear” or “my dear” instead of your actual name. This is common because they send the same message to many people at once. Itâs also a tactic to make you feel more comfortable and let your guard down. In official communications, though, this kind of language is inappropriate and suspicious.
âThe letter I got started with âMy dear,â and I immediately knew something was wrong,â Johnson said. âNo official email should sound like itâs written by a long-lost relative.â
In addition to the overly friendly tone, watch out for mixed-up terms. Scammers may use words like “datebook” instead of “calendar” or “diary” instead of “schedule.” These are clues that the message may not be coming from someone familiar with American culture or business practices.
Misplaced Dollar Signs and Religious References
One key indicator of a scam message is when the dollar sign is placed after the amount, like “500$” instead of “$500.” This format is common in many other countries but is incorrect in the U.S., making it a strong clue that somethingâs off. Before you rush into paying someone, take a moment to scrutinize how theyâve written the amounts.
Another tactic some scammers use is incorporating religious references. Messages that frequently mention God or faith-based phrases can be a trick to make you trust the sender. While it’s normal for emails from religious organizations to include such references, itâs out of place in emails from unknown sources asking for personal information or payment.
Staying Cautious Can Save You
âIâve learned to trust my gut,â Johnson said. âIf something feels off, I donât respond right away. I take a moment to really look at the details.â
By staying alert for these language tricks, you can better protect yourself from falling victim to scams. When in doubt, itâs always smart to double-check and ask questions before responding to an unfamiliar request.
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