Meeting the challenges of fraud in a digital world

Abstract

Offenders have embraced the use of technology to commit fraud. Through emails, social networking sites, false websites and data breaches, offenders are able to easily and conveniently defraud victims globally. Sadly, this affects millions of victims, and the consequences can be devastating. This chapter explores what is currently known about fraud. In particular, it focuses on how fraud offenders are using a combination of offline and online approaches to deceive, manipulate and exploit unsuspecting victims, across a variety of communication channels and platforms. The evolution of the online environment has significantly changed the nature of fraud, from offender, victim and third party perspectives. This chapter examines what is currently known about fraud across each of these areas and the challenges faced by all three. Further, it examines the policing, prevention and support as it relates to fraud and the unique difficulties that exist, largely as the result of the online environment. Overall, this chapter argues that fraud poses a significant problem globally that requires a change in thinking and practice, in order to make a positive change in the future.