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The Psychology of Fraud, Persuasion and Scam Techniques

Understanding What Makes Us Vulnerable

Martina Dove

$82.95   $70.08

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English
Routledge
10 November 2025
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.
By:  
Imprint:   Routledge
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Edition:   2nd edition
Dimensions:   Height: 234mm,  Width: 156mm, 
Weight:   453g
ISBN:   9781032953908
ISBN 10:   103295390X
Pages:   180
Publication Date:  
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Primary ,  Undergraduate
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming

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.

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

'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


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