Communicating with victims of advance fee fraud: An analysis of the police approach.

• In Event: Police Approaches to Different Crimes

Abstract

Whilst fraud research has appeared in the criminological and psychological literature, rarely has advance fee fraud (AFF) been discussed and examined (Dobovsek, Lamberger & Slak, 2013). This research focuses specifically on the evolving role of police interventions aimed at addressing AFF. In Australia, some State police jurisdictions have begun to tackle AFF using a victim-driven approach. For example, the Fraud and Cyber Crime Group, Queensland Police Service, Australia have engaged in three key operations that have involved the proactive identification of victims using suspicious financial transactions reports and subsequent contact with the victim (via telephone) to encourage cessation in the fraudulent scheme. Whilst there has been and continues to be operational police action in this area, the effectiveness and outcomes of these interventions have not been adequately evaluated. This study reports on interviews conducted with fraud detectives from the Queensland Police Service who are involved in AFF police operations. The research identifies the types of approaches and communication strategies that are used by police when communicating with AFF victims. The research identifies those elements of the police-victim communication dialogue that are most effective in encouraging disengagement from AFF victimisation.

Authors

• Jacqueline Drew, Griffith University

• Julianne Webster, Griffith University