ABSTRACT

Crime is undergoing a metamorphosis. The online technological revolution has created new opportunities for a wide variety of crimes which can be perpetrated on an industrial scale, and crimes traditionally committed in an offline environment are increasingly being transitioned to an online environment.

This book takes a case study-based approach to exploring the types, perpetrators and victims of cyber frauds. Topics covered include:

  • An in-depth breakdown of the most common types of cyber fraud and scams.
  • The victim selection techniques and perpetration strategies of fraudsters.
  • An exploration of the impact of fraud upon victims and best practice examples of support systems for victims.
  • Current approaches for policing, punishing and preventing cyber frauds and scams.

This book argues for a greater need to understand and respond to cyber fraud and scams in a more effective and victim-centred manner. It explores the victim-blaming discourse, before moving on to examine the structures of support in place to assist victims, noting some of the interesting initiatives from around the world and the emerging strategies to counter this problem. This book is essential reading for students and researchers engaged in cyber crime, victimology and international fraud.

chapter 1|37 pages

‘The dark side of crime’

Cyber frauds and scams

chapter 2|24 pages

‘It could be you’

Victims and the diversity of fraud

chapter 3|29 pages

‘Gullible, greedy or stupid surely?’ Falling for cyber frauds and scams

The techniques of the fraudsters

chapter 4|24 pages

‘Not a victimless crime’

The impact of fraud upon victims

chapter 5|20 pages

Blaming the victim

chapter 6|20 pages

‘Forgotten victims’

Supporting those who experience fraud

chapter 8|40 pages

Preventing cyber frauds and scams

chapter 9|3 pages

Conclusion

The future of cyber frauds and scams