A cynical view of human nature can lead to disappointment and betrayal, but it also inhibits the individual's social lives. Scientists have found that while cynicism can protect people from lies and scams, it can also negatively impact their social relationships. A recent study found that the most suspicious participants were no less likely to be duped than the most trusting ones, and their scores on the general trust scale had no impact on their ability to spot bad actors. While there is no foolproof way to tell who is and isn't trustworthy, there are techniques to avoid being hoodwinked while maintaining faith in humanity. These techniques include seeking out the good in others and shifting your mindset to protect yourself without the harm of cynicism. However, being generally suspicious of your fellow humans is unlikely to protect you from scams any more than those who are more trusting.