1st Edition

Cyber Frauds, Scams and their Victims

By Mark Button, Cassandra Cross Copyright 2017
    252 Pages 6 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    252 Pages 6 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    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.

    1. ‘The Dark Side of Crime’: Cyber Frauds and Scams,  2. ‘It Could Be You’: Victims and the Diversity of Fraud,  3. ‘Gullible, Greedy or Stupid Surely?’ Falling for Cyber Frauds and Scams: The Techniques of the Fraudsters,  4. ‘Not A Victimless Crime’: The Impact of Fraud Upon Victims,  5. Blaming The Victim,  6. ‘Forgotten Victims’: Supporting Those Who Experience Fraud,  7. Policing and Punishment for Cyber Frauds and Scams,  8. Preventing Cyber Frauds and Scams,  9. Conclusion: The Future of Cyber Frauds and Scams

    Biography

    Mark Button is Professor and Director of the Centre for Counter Fraud Studies at the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, University of Portsmouth, UK. 

    Cassandra Cross is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at the School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology, Australia.

    "A much needed publication, drawing together a body of evidence that shines the light on the devastating phenomenon of cyber fraud! This book dispels the myths and exposes the truths. Nobody should carry the misconception that they are safe or protected from fraudsters. Who should read it and exhort dialogue – it’s everyone's responsibility!"

    Detective Chief Superintendent David Clark, Head of Economic Crime, City of London Police

    "The authors have performed a valuable academic and practical service by pulling together a large range of studies, a significant proportion by themselves, to illuminate the types, impact and criminal methodologies of online fraud, and to discuss what has been done and could be done to help victims of fraud and to reduce those harms."

    Michael Levi, Professor of Criminology, Cardiff University