“Winning and losing”: vulnerability to mass marketing fraud

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to report the findings from a small qualitative study of victims of mass marketing fraud (MMF), exploring how they become involved in such activity and then sustain their involvement. The article concludes with recommendations for practitioners involved in supporting vulnerable older people.Design/methodology/approach -The paper considers a small exploratory qualitative study into the vulnerability of older people (n=3) to MMF from the perspectives of the 'victims' of such fraud, and four professionals from different agencies who work with cases of MMF (n=4). This paper reports specifically on the interviews with older people (n=3).Findings -This paper highlights a range of predisposing risk factors to MMF which emerged as key themes including the psycho-social background of the victim, emotional vulnerability, the need for meaningful activity, and opportunities engagement in meaningful social activity. Research limitations/implications -The small scale of this exploratory study is a limitation, but as there is currently a dearth of research in this area it makes a valuable contribution to the developing knowledge base. Practical implications -Professionals need to develop increasedunderstanding of the complexities of sustained involvement in MMF, and the ways in which fraudsters manipulate potential victims by 'grooming' and luring through plausible schemes which appear genuine to the victim.Social implications -MMF is a growing threat in the financial abuse of older people, and is increasingly recognised as a concern for professionals involved in supporting and safeguarding vulnerable older people.Originality -Despite the growing awareness of MMF in the financial abuse of vulnerable older people, this paper is one of the first to consider the perspectives of victims of MMF.

Understanding the Risks of Financial Scams as Part of Elder Abuse Prevention

“…The findings also reveal the significance of psychological and emotional factors in scam engagement (Sprenge et al, 2017). This includes how individuals are groomed into trusting relationships with scammers, and how ultimately the discovery of a scam undermines selfconfidence and trust in others (Olivier et al, 2015). The findings illustrate the role of high emotional arousal in the presentation of scams which are designed to elicit emotional responses in the victims, for example offering a time limited opportunity of a lifetime (Fischer, Lea and Evans, 2013).…”

“…Social isolation however describes a situation in which the individual lacks social connections or contacts. Feeling lonely or having no social contacts may increase emotional vulnerability and as a result increase susceptibility to responding to a scam (Reibolt and Vogel, 2003;Olivier et al 2015).…”

“…Exploratory research into neuro functions and scam susceptibility in healthy older adults suggests a link to changes in areas of the brain involved in socio-emotional, which may act as a marker for increased financial exploitation risk (Sprenge et al 2017). In a small scale study of older scam victims Olivier et al (2015) explore how victims felt 'played' by the scammers as their emotional needs were preyed upon, and may be particularly emotionally vulnerable as a result of specific life events such as bereavement.…”

Predicting susceptibility to cyber-fraud victimhood

“…With respect to socio-demographic characteristics, such as age and education of fraud victims, in general, the literature is fairly sketchy, with much of the research focussing on the elderly given that it is presumed they are more at risk (ACCC, 2016;Bolimos and Choo, 2017;James, et al, 2014;Oliver, et al, 2015;ONS, 2016c;Titus and Gover, 2001). Those who report cyber-frauds tend to be older (ACCC, 2016) and there is a view that those who are uneducated are more likely to be scammed (Titus and Gover, 2001), although empirical research is needed to support this belief.…”

Do You Love Me? Psychological Characteristics of Romance Scam Victims

“…There have been mixed findings on age differences and vulnerability to scams. Some suggest that older adults are more vulnerable to MMF, 16 , 17 while others have found that older individuals are victimized to a similar extent to those in their midlife, 18 those in their midlife are more likely to become victims compared to older and younger people. 1 , 2 With regards to romance scams, it is often reported by authorities that victims are more likely to be middle aged.…”