ABSTRACT
A lot can be learned about the psychology of persuasion from examining Internet-based fraud. This is so rampant that many examples can be found in many email inboxes. Detailed consideration of exactly how this fraud is constructed provides a good example of case study methodology. The study reveals the components of any communication that increases its plausibility. One aspect of this, which is often undervalued, is how the fraudulent communication is embedded in a recognisable narrative. The structure that characterises meaningful narratives is therefore also of value in studying cybercrimes.
