“Social engineering” is a newer term for an age-old pursuit: tricking people. Whether you use the modern-day terminology or opt for longer-standing classifications (like conning, hustling, and swindling), the end result is the same.

Scammers aren’t afraid to tell lies— and they often get what they want just by asking for it. Social engineers take advantage of human tendencies to be open and trusting. All successful social engineering attacks have one thing in common: Someone believed something they shouldn’t have. Use these five tips to stay one step ahead of social engineers.

#1 Don’t Take Things at Face Value
This piece of advice can serve you in many ways, including the identification of social engineering traps. Social engineers need to win your trust, and they try to lure you in by creating a false sense of security.

#2 Ask Questions
Social engineering is often about finding the right motivation—and getting people to act in hurry. It’s important to pause and think before you give information or grant access to someone you don’t know. You should ask potential imposters questions to verify their identities, but you should also question yourself:

• Am I being pressured to act in haste?
• Am I certain this person is who he/she claims to be?
• What are the potential ramifications if this is a social engineering attack and I fall for it?

Above all, you should feel comfortable and confident before acting on a request.

#3 Do Your Own Due Diligence
Let’s be perfectly clear: The most successful social engineers are savvy, persistent, and prepared. They do their homework before perpetrating an attack. But if you are ready and willing to do your own digging, you can beat them at their own game.

#4 Don’t Be Afraid to Say ‘No’
Social engineers know that most people are non-confrontational with strangers.
They know it’s in people’s nature to be accommodating and avoid awkward conversations.

#5 Allow Yourself to Be a Little Paranoid
You don’t need to distrust everyone and everything, but it doesn’t hurt to allow yourself to be a little paranoid when dealing with people you don’t really know. This is particularly true for faceless communications, like email, text messaging, phone calls, and social media posts.

Yes, many social engineers are at the top of their game. But a healthy dose of skepticism can help you stay alert to even the most sophisticated tricks and traps.