Is a distinct phenomenon, the nature of which is to form a certain public opinion about the service, product, organization or even a person using the “scam” label. The label is associated with negativity and criminality. “Scam” indicates the unreliability of quality or service and highlights the dangers of potential cooperation with a person or organization. Therefore, the purpose of using the “scam” label is to signal a threat, which draws the attention of society, customers, business partners, specialized structures and law enforcement agencies. This label is exploited for defamation and damaging reputation. Most often, it is made up of narratives with unreliable “facts”, which greatly complicates the task of restoring justice and an objective image of what is happening. Please note that the method of litigation to protect honor and dignity is a long-winded way, which can take several years and not give the result at the end. Moreover, in most cases, defamation involves fakes, fictional and non-existent personalities who write similar narratives and distribute them on the Internet. For these reasons, there is a demand and objective necessity for practical measures to neutralize such information perils in the digital age. Today there are a lot of services that offer a fragmentary solution to this issue. We offer a completely different and thorough approach, but first, let’s see how a “scam” label is formed and exploited.
…at any given time, your name, title of your organization or the result of your activities might appear on the lists of scam-projects on specialized Internet resources, in the media and even on governmental websites, let’s say on government sector department or specialized commission website.
Formation of the “scam” label
To remove the “scam” label, first, one has to understand the way it is formed and what are the categories of “scam”. Consider the pyramid model of shaping public opinion, which explains what are the levels of influence.
“Scam” label has five different levels. As indicated on the pyramid of shaping public opinion, any level can be used to label somebody as a scammer. In other words, if somebody is exposed to an information attack, there might be several levels that are used against an entity at the same time. For example, your name, title of your organization or the result of your activities might appear on the lists of scam-projects on specialized Internet resources, in the media and even on governmental websites, let’s say on government sector department or specialized commission website.
Unquestionably, the highest level in the form of governmental resources is the most difficult case, which requires a lot of effort and resources to remove the “scam” label. Yet, the complexity of such a task does not mean that it cannot be done.
Most often in our clientele, we are approached by the representatives of organizations who became victims of defamation being exposed to several levels of attacks.
You might be exposed to a whole system or only one level of attack. Consider this example, suppose that a group of people or fakes label you as a “scam” on social media. They can provide feedback, post defamatory content on social media mentioning you and/or your product/service. If such information attack occurs at the lowest level, it will certainly be unpleasant, but the negative effect of it would be minimal. It would be enough if a reliable media publishes materials that an information attack is being launched against you with false accusations, and the threat would be neutralized.
Though, most often we are approached by representatives of organizations, which are exposed to a combination of several levels of the pyramid. For example, some experts (not always fake ones) may start to claim that your product/service/organization is a threat to consumers, and even for an entire society. In such a case, you will have to have independent experts who would be ready to open the discussion, and on the other hand, you must go up to the level of scientists. The opinion of specialized scientists has more weight and authority in society than of experts. Scientists, unlike experts, do not consider individuals or organizations, they consider a system, an element of technology or a complex phenomenon scientifically. Also, one needs media to make an objective assessment and describe not only official views but also describe how the information attack took place applying the “scam” label.
… owing to reports at the OSCE level and other similar international official structures, we have the opportunity to influence the relevant commissions and government websites, which contains information with the “scam” label.
Our approach
Foin Cyber Security has all necessary mechanisms and resources to address problems on removing the “scam” label at every level of the pyramid. We are ready to counter any information attack using relevant impact levels which shape public opinion keeping in mind the needs of our customers and partners.
How do we solve problems at the top level of the pyramid? This task is implemented in cooperation with our partners (Belgian specialists, scientists, lawyers, and human rights activists). Owing to reports in the OSCE we have the opportunity to influence the relevant commissions and government websites, which contains information with the “scam” label.
Failure to act can lead to criminal cases and trials.
It is also worth noting that opinions concerning the “scam” label in the market are divided. Some believe that it is a fairly innocent occurrence and can do no harm. Some businessmen are troubled and fearful of this label. What is the difference and why there are different opinions? Fundamentally, it is because they do not understand the threat level. It is hardly possible to be objective and have a complete understanding of the situation to manage public opinion without a tool such as the model of a pyramid. Those who consider the “scam” label to be harmless probably have been exposed against the lower-level threat of the pyramid. In contrast to those who have encountered a higher level of threat (media or expert level) who consider the “scam” label to be damaging.
Imagine a situation, where all 5 levels of the pyramid publish materials indicating that your business belongs to “scam” category, that is certainly “most intoxicating” and possibly a fatal strike at your business reputation. In addition to the fact that the “scam” label generates distrust, it is often used as a signal to draw the attention of law enforcement and other regulatory agencies to your activities. Failure to act can lead to criminal cases and trials. Thus, we believe that negligent approach towards the “scam” label is very critical and might lead to disadvantageous outcomes. Objective assessment of threat levels is a top priority.
