Secrecy — Secrecy involves withholding information from people who would otherwise contribute knowledge or support. Within a scam, criminals encourage secrecy to limit outside scrutiny and maintain control over the account. Privacy protects personal boundaries, while imposed secrecy serves the deceiver’s interest in avoiding examination. — Criminal Manipulation

Added October 3, 2026

Secrecy — Secrecy involves concealing the supposed relationship or its financial demands from other people. Scammers encourage concealment by claiming that relatives or friends will misunderstand or interfere. This restriction protects the criminal’s story from questions and helps sustain the victim’s isolation. — Psychological Manipulation

Added October 15, 2026