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.

Nils Christie’s (1986) seminal work on the ‘Ideal Victim’ is reproduced in full in this edited collection of vibrant and provocative essays that respond to and update the concept from a range of thematic positions. Each chapter celebrates and commemorates his work by analysing, evaluating and critiquing the current nature and impact of victim identity, experience, policy and practice. The collection expands the focus and remit of ‘victim studies’, addressing key themes around race, gender, faith, ability and age while encompassing new and diverse issues. Examples include sex workers as victims of hate crimes, victims’ experiences of online fraud, and recognising historic child sexual abuse victims in Ireland. With contributions from an array of academics including Vicky Heap (Sheffield Hallam University), Hannah Mason-Bish (University of Sussex) and Pamela Davies (Northumbria University), as well as a Foreword by David Scott (The Open University), this book evaluates the contemporary relevance and applicability of Christie’s ‘Ideal Victim’ concept and creates an important platform for thinking differently about victimhood in the 21st century.

The Psychology of Fraud, Persuasion and Scam Techniques provides an in-depth explanation of not only why we fall for scams and how fraudsters use technology and other techniques to manipulate others, but also why fraud prevention advice is not always effective. Starting with how fraud victimisation is perceived by society and why fraud is underreported, the book explores the different types of fraud and the human and demographic factors that make us vulnerable. It explains how fraud has become increasingly sophisticated and how fraudsters use communication, deception and theories of rationality, cognition and judgmental heuristics, as well as specific persuasion and scam techniques, to encourage compliance. Covering frauds including romance scams and phishing attacks such as advance fee frauds and so-called miracle cures, the book explores ways we can learn to spot scams and persuasive communication, with checklists and advice for reflection and protection. Featuring a set of practical guidelines to reduce fraud vulnerability, advice on how to effectively report fraud and educative case studies and examples, this easy-to-read, instructive book is essential reading for fraud prevention specialists, fraud victims and academics and students interested in the psychology of fraud.

With millions lost each year, cyber crime has evolved from a minor nuisance to a major concern involving well-organized actors and highly sophisticated organizations. Arguably one of the most important challenges of the 21st century, with millions lost each year, cyber crime has evolved from a minor nuisance to a major concern involving well-organized actors and highly sophisticated organizations. This volume explores the state of threats present in the cyber fraud underground. It discusses phishing/pharming, trojans/toolkits, direct threats, and pump-and-dump scams. By examining the operations of the cyber criminal, the book provides perspective into the general incentives, risks, and behavioral patterns of the fraudsters. Armed with this information, organizations and individuals are better able to develop countermeasures and crafting tactics to disrupt the fraud underground and secure their systems.

Cyber Crime, Second Edition by Catherine D. Marcum, provides the reader with a thorough examination of the prominence of cybercrime in our society, as well as the criminal justice system experience with cybercrimes. Research from scholars in the academic field, as well as government studies, statutes, and other material are gathered and summarized. Key concepts, statistics, and legislative histories are discussed in every chapter. The book is meant to educate and enlighten a wide audience, from those who are completely unfamiliar with the topic as an entirety, to individuals who need more specific information on a particular type of cybercrime. This text should be a useful guide to students, academics, and practitioners alike. New to the Second Edition: A new chapter explores the many forms of nonconsensual pornography—doxxing, downblousing, upskirting, revenge porn, sextortion—and its negative effects on victims and society. New features—Key Words, Questions to Consider While Reading, and end-of-chapter Discussion Question—help students focus on key concepts. Discussions of the latest issues—the Convention on Cybercrime, R.B. Cialdini’s research into grooming, neutralization (or rationalization) of behaviors, transaction laundering, and cyber dating—keep students current with recent developments. Updates include the latest statistics from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, case studies with recent developments and rulings (Playpen, Tor), and expanded coverage of online prostitution and Internet safety for minors. Professors and students will benefit from: Case studies in each chapter that connect new concepts to current events and illustrate the use of criminal theory in crime solving Questions for discussion that encourage evaluative and analytical thinking A range of theories and perspectives that shed light on the complexity of Internet-based crime Discussion and analysis of the demographics and characteristics of the offenders and their victims An informative review of the efforts of legislation, public policy, and law enforcement to prevent and prosecute cyber crime Coverage of the most widespread and damaging types of cyber crime intellectual property theft online sexual victimization identity theft cyber fraud and financial crimes harassment

The Canadian edition of The Little Black Book of Scams is a compact and easy to use reference guide filled with information Canadians can use to protect themselves against a variety of common scams. It debunks common myths about scams, provides contact information for reporting a scam to the correct authority, and offers a step-by-step guide for scam victims to reduce their losses and avoid becoming repeat victims. Consumers and businesses can consult The Little Black Book of Scams to avoid falling victim to social media and mobile phone scams, fake charities and lotteries, dating and romance scams, and many other schemes used to defraud Canadians of their money and personal information.

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.