Techniques and Tactics

Legitimacy

Legitimacy: Scams may look legitimate and give the impression they have been sent by an official institution or an established reputable business. Research indicates that people are more likely to trust and obey authority figures (Milgram 1963, Blass 1991). Criminals use this insight to design communications that encourage compliance. Doorstep criminals often impersonate government officials or say they are from a recognisable organisation to legitimise the visit. 

Exploitation of human desires

Exploitation of human desires: Research has highlighted that criminals exploit human desires and needs by offering, for example, high rewards combined with rapid deadlines to create a sense of urgency (OFT, 2009). These schemes are designed to appeal to human emotions such as excitement or fear that makes the person react quickly without looking at the content in too much detail.

Personalisation

Personalisation: Criminals often personalise scams making the victim feel that the offer is unique to them. Criminals will often encourage victims to reveal personal details that can be used. This includes names of friends and family, levels of equity in their home, securities or assets they own, charities they trust and their religious beliefs.

Target social isolation and loneliness

Target social isolation and loneliness: Many people (especially older people living alone) are experiencing high levels of social isolation and loneliness. In 2016 Age UK reported that 200,000 older people aged 65 and over had not spoken to a family member or friend for over a month. Research has indicated that older adults who become socially isolated are extremely vulnerable to financial scams (Lubben et al., 2015). Many victims will perceive the criminals as friends, especially as this may be the only significant form of interaction they have either in person, over the phone or via correspondence and email. Criminals will play on this vulnerability and groom victims.