The Psychology of Fraud, Persuasion and Scam Techniques Understanding What Makes Us Vulnerable

"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 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, as and because we fail to recognise the traps of deception. 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 of South Australia

"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

"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

"A fabulously interesting 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. This is a book for all, fraud prevention professionals, academics and the public. This book could 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