Telecom and online scams pose a global challenge. Despite intensified crackdowns worldwide, emerging technologies like AI have spawned novel tactics that threaten public safety. Grounded in multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks, this study analyzes victims’ susceptibility profiles across cognitive, behavioral, emotional, needs-based, and personality dimensions, demonstrating that vulnerability transcends specific demographics. The paper deconstructs how scammers exploit universal human weaknesses through stage-based psychological manipulation tactics. Finally, the study proposes public self-protection strategies: enhancing cognitive awareness (knowledge reserves), strengthening needs management, and building psychological resilience (inner fortitude) to identify and resist scams, thereby mitigating losses.