Why do people fall for fake invoices or CEO requests?
Context creates believability. Businesses receive many invoices; one more seems routine. CEO requests happen; employees comply to avoid career consequences. The request fits expected patterns.
Time pressure reduces scrutiny. Busy people processing many requests may not examine each carefully. "Urgent" flags get faster handling, often with less verification.
Fear of consequences: questioning an executive seems insubordinate, delaying payment might cause problems, and admitting you don't recognize a vendor seems incompetent. Social pressure enables compliance.
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