One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine!

@cathypedrayes

2.6M followers · usually 12.4K views a post

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269.8K

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SoundTikTok sound · original sound - cathypedrayes

Promoted product

Take9

Why it worked

The video uses a familiar character (The Count from Sesame Street) and a simple, memorable concept (the 9-second pause) to deliver a crucial safety message in an engaging way. The use of relatable scam examples and statistics further reinforces the importance of the advice.

Summary

This video explains how scammers use urgency and fear to trick people into responding to fraudulent messages too quickly. It suggests taking a 9-second pause before responding to any unexpected message as a simple yet effective way to avoid falling victim to scams.

Structure

1Count to 9 with The Count
2Explain the 9-second pause strategy
3Show statistics on scam losses
4Illustrate scam tactics (fear, urgency, impersonation)
5Demonstrate example scam messages

Original caption

 Scammers want you to respond fast. That's part of their strategy, so taking a 9 second pause might be all you need to slow down and protect yourself from many scams. The next time you get an unexpected message, remember to count and take a 9 second pause. #sponsored #scamprevention #safetytips #onlinesafety #take9 @Take9

More from @cathypedrayes

Product placement

The video promotes 'Take9' which is presented as a tool or strategy to prevent scams by taking a 9-second pause before responding to suspicious messages. The URL for the product is provided in the on-screen text and the creator's bio link.

Call to action

Take a 9 second pause.

On-screen text

1 3 5 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 9 A, A, A COUNT BEFORE YOU CLICK. Take 9 LEARN MORE AT TAKE9THE9.COM New FTC Data Show Top Text Message Scams of 2024; Overall Losses to Text Scams Hit $470 Million Fake package delivery issues and phony job opportunities were most frequently reported. FTC.gov - April 2024 Americans lost $470 million to scam texts, being tricked into responding too fast. intentional. Scammers engineer their text messages to make you react before you think. Like using fear emergencies. 24 HOUR NOTICE - make a payment to avoid your electricity being shut off: (edison-login.biz) Or making something with a deadline. Hey, I'm traveling so can't talk on the phone but I need you to send me over a $500 giftcard for a client ASAP Or even pretending someone you know like a friend or boss. So if you see this, this, or this, Take a 9 second pause

Transcript

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine! Ah, ah, ah! We just practiced counting to 9. Why? Because that 9 second pause might be all you need to protect yourself from scams. In 2024, Americans lost $470 million to scam texts, with many people being tricked into responding to messages too fast. That's intentional. Scammers engineer their text messages to make you react before you think. Like using fear, and fake emergencies. Or making something seem urgent with a deadline. Or even pretending someone you know, like a friend or boss. So if you see a message like this, this, or this, remember to count. Take a 9 second pause.