Overview

The second edition of this bestselling book 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, the new edition includes a greater focus on pig butchering scams and sextortion scams, examples of AI-mediated fraud and extortion, and more on deep fake frauds and the effects on victims. It explores ways we can learn to spot scams and persuasive communication, with checklists and advice for reflection and protection. Featuring illustrative case studies and examples throughout alongside a set of practical guidelines to reduce fraud vulnerability and advice on how to effectively report fraud, this easy-to-read book is essential reading for fraud prevention specialists, fraud victims and academics and students interested in the psychology of fraud.

Full Product Details

Author:   Martina Dove
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Edition:   2nd edition
Weight:   0.330kg
ISBN:  

9781032953908

ISBN 10:   103295390
Pages:   180
Publication Date:   10 November 2025
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Not yet available  
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.

Table of Contents

FOREWORD List of figures Chapter 1: Introduction My scam experience Anatomy of the scam experience CHAPTER 2: What is fraud and who are the fraudsters? What is fraud? When is fraud a fraud? Who are the fraudsters? Fraud taxonomy Fraud reporting and sanctions Fraud victimisation from the victim’s perspective Artificial intelligence and fraud CHAPTER 3: Different types of frauds and scams Nigerian or advance fee frauds Identity and synthetic fraud Romance scams Phishing and other social engineering attacks Psychic or clairvoyant scams and cold readings Miracle cures Charity scams and crowdfunding campaigns Lotteries, prize draws, sweepstakes and giveaways Investment or business opportunities and job scams Pig Butchering scams Sextortion and extortion scams Imposter scams Tourist scams Mortgage fraud Food fraud CHAPTER 4: Deception and communication The process of communication Deceptive communication View of deception through cultural and societal conventions Detecting deception How fraudsters deceive Deception and its role in fraud victimisation Chapter 5: How we think and make decisions and why this matters in fraud situations System 1 and System 2 Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) of persuasion Decision making styles Cognitive biases Framing effects The Barnum effect Anchoring effect Illusion of control and Just world hypothesis Sunk cost fallacy Chapter 6: Persuasion and scamming techniques Evoking visceral influence Liking and similarity Credibility and legitimacy Evoking social norms Authority Commitment and consistency Scarcity and urgency Social proof and social influence Dishonesty and distraction Priming Altercasting Grooming Chapter 7: Human factors in fraud Impulsivity and self-control Compliance and obedience to authority Risk assessment and sensation seeking Flattery and intimidation Information processing and need for cognition Trust and gullibility Vigilance, delayed decisions, scam awareness and background knowledge Demographics and circumstances Behaviours and beliefs Human factors and information security Chapter 8: Theories and models which could explain why we fall victim to fraud and scams Errors in judgment The Model of Scamming Vulnerability Models of Gullible and Foolish Action Phishing Susceptibility Framework Suspicion, Cognition and Automacity Model of Phishing Susceptibility The Model of Fraud Susceptibility Compliance factors implicated in tourist frauds Compliance factors implicated in investments scams CHAPTER 9: Learning to spot scams, fraud and persuasive communication Scam situations and factors that contribute to compliance Spotting scam techniques in phishing correspondence Chapter 10: SCAMS Checklist: Advice for reflection and protection Scrutinise the correspondence Consider scam techniques Assess emotional state Moderate the response Share your experience with others How to help if you suspect your loved ones are being scammed Protecting ourselves in the age of AI

Reviews

'An exceptional piece of work that unpacks what it is to be a victim, an observer and even a perpetrator of different types of fraud. What Dr Dove has managed to do here is remarkable, giving astute academic analysis alongside practical advice, examples and explanations in a definitive resource on both the art and science of the scam.' Jenny Radcliffe, Director, Human Factor Security 'Dr Dove has produced a comprehensive but accessible text that summarizes the current social science research on frauds and scams. The chapters progress logically from defining fraud in all its variations, to describing the process by which victims are defrauded, to offering solutions and preventative measures. The case studies she presents are exceptional and provide the reader with real-world examples. As a professor and a public educator, I believe this book could be used in a classroom, by working professionals, and citizens who wish to protect themselves from frauds and scams.' Dr Roderick Graham, Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Old Dominion University 'A fabulously captivating read. Dr Martina Dove provides a window into the methods of criminals whilst giving a valuable insight into how criminals use our emotional responses to defraud. Interestingly, the book also covers how AI is changing the fraud landscape. This is a book for all fraud prevention professionals, academics and the public. This book will assist in stopping you, and those around you, from becoming a victim to this despicable crime.'– Tony Murray, Former National Economic Crime and Fraud Protect Officer for National Lead Force, City of London Police 'This book is an engaging study of the modern-day plague of internet, email and personal scams, so often targeted at the most vulnerable in society. Written in an accessible style, the book combines the personal and the scientific. Retelling everyday examples, it offers a captivating account of how we fall victim to fraud and theft and suffer their emotional consequences because we fail to recognise the traps of deception. Enhancing this new edition with stories and warnings of egregious frauds facilitated by artificial intelligence, Dove dissects the evidence, and rooting her account in scientific theory, she urges the reader to learn and prepare to detect the fraud instead of succumbing to it.' Dr Andreas Cebulla, Associate Professor, Flinders University

“An exceptional piece of work that unpacks what it is to be a victim, an observer and even a perpetrator of different types of fraud.” – Jenny Radcliffe, Director, Human Factor Security “The case studies she presents are exceptional and provide the reader with real-world examples.” – Dr Roderick Graham, Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Old Dominion University Enhancing this new edition with stories and warnings of egregious frauds facilitated by artificial intelligence, Dove dissects the evidence, and rooting her account in scientific theory, she urges the reader to learn and prepare to detect the fraud instead of succumbing to it.” – Dr Andreas Cebulla, Associate Professor, Flinders University “A fabulously captivating read. Dr Martina Dove provides a window into the methods of criminals whilst giving a valuable insight into how criminals use our emotional responses to defraud.” – Tony Murray, Former National Economic Crime and Fraud Protect Officer for National Lead Force, City of London Police

""An exceptional piece of work that unpacks what it is to be a victim, an observer and even a perpetrator of different types of fraud. What Dr Dove has managed to do here is remarkable, giving astute academic analysis alongside practical advice, examples and explanations in a definitive resource on both the art and science of the scam."" – Jenny Radcliffe, Director, Human Factor Security ""Dr Dove has produced a comprehensive but accessible text that summarizes the current social science research on frauds and scams. The chapters progress logically from defining fraud in all its variations, to describing the process by which victims are defrauded, to offering solutions and preventative measures. The case studies she presents are exceptional and provide the reader with real-world examples. As a professor and a public educator, I believe this book could be used in a classroom, by working professionals, and citizens who wish to protect themselves from frauds and scams."" – Dr Roderick Graham, Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Old Dominion University ""A fabulously captivating read. Dr Martina Dove provides a window into the methods of criminals whilst giving a valuable insight into how criminals use our emotional responses to defraud. Interestingly, the book also covers how AI is changing the fraud landscape. This is a book for all fraud prevention professionals, academics and the public. This book will assist in stopping you, and those around you, from becoming a victim to this despicable crime."" – Tony Murray, Former National Economic Crime and Fraud Protect Officer for National Lead Force, City of London Police ""This book is an engaging study of the modern-day plague of internet, email and personal scams, so often targeted at the most vulnerable in society. Written in an accessible style, the book combines the personal and the scientific. Retelling everyday examples, it offers a captivating account of how we fall victim to fraud and theft and suffer their emotional consequences because we fail to recognise the traps of deception. Enhancing this new edition with stories and warnings of egregious frauds facilitated by artificial intelligence, Dove dissects the evidence, and rooting her account in scientific theory, she urges the reader to learn and prepare to detect the fraud instead of succumbing to it."" – Dr Andreas Cebulla, Associate Professor, Flinders University

Author Information

Martina Dove is a mixed methods researcher with a fervent passion for psychology and fraud prevention. She specialises in fraud vulnerability, individual characteristics that make people vulnerable to fraud and scam techniques used by fraudsters.

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