Emotional and Behavioral Manipulation
The message uses an appeal, such as a deadline, a threat, a reward, or a claim of authority, to get you to act. Appeals like these can prompt action before a request gets checked.
Also known as
- Aliases
-
- pressure tactics
Mapped to
MITRE ATT&CK®
Sub-techniques
TE0008.1
Fear Appeal
The message threatens punishment, exposure, danger, or another serious consequence if the recipient doesn't comply. Threats are often used to rush a response before the request can be checked.
TE0008.3
Time Pressure
The message sets a deadline, says a window is about to close, or demands immediate action. Attackers use short deadlines to rush people into acting before they can check the request.
TE0008.4
Curiosity Appeal
The message hints at something important or intriguing but holds back the details, so finding out means engaging with it. The gap is meant to draw you into clicking, opening, or replying.
TE0008.5
Threat of Loss
The message says the recipient will lose something they already have, such as access, money, a booking, or a benefit, unless they act. Warnings of loss are often used to push for quick compliance.
TE0008.6
Reward Appeal
A benefit, such as money, a prize, a gift, or an experience, is held out to get you to engage. Rewards of any size can make a request look worth acting on.
TE0008.7
Scarcity Pressure
The message says places, stock, or access are limited and presents that as a reason to act. Claims about how much is left are used to push people to act before checking the offer.
TE0008.8
Social Proof
The message says colleagues or others have already done what it asks, or expect you to do the same. Pointing to what others did makes a request seem normal and harder to question.
TE0008.9
Authority Appeal
The message uses a claimed role, organization, rule, or decision-making power as the reason to comply with or trust the request. Attackers use authority to discourage questions and speed up compliance.
TE0008.10
Compassion Appeal
The message describes another person's hardship or distress, or a cause in need, to ask for help. Attackers use stories of need to make a request for help harder to turn down.
TE0008.11
Social Approval Appeal
The message links doing what it asks to gaining praise, recognition, status, or acceptance from a person or group. Attackers use the promise of approval as the reward for complying.
TE0008.12
Reciprocity Appeal
The message points to a favor, gift, or help already given or offered, and implies something is owed in return. An implied debt makes a request harder to decline.
TE0008.13
Prior Commitment Appeal
The message points to an earlier promise, decision, or reply it attributes to you and asks you to follow through. Claimed commitments like this make saying no seem inconsistent.