The Psychology of Fraud, Persuasion and Scam Techniques


Book Description

The Psychology of Fraud, Persuasion and Scam Techniques 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 such as advance fee frauds and so-called miracle cures, the book explores ways we can learn to spot scams and persuasive communication, with checklists and advice for reflection and protection. Featuring a set of practical guidelines to reduce fraud vulnerability, advice on how to effectively report fraud and educative case studies and examples, this easy-to-read, instructive book is essential reading for fraud prevention specialists, fraud victims and academics and students interested in the psychology of fraud.




Anatomy of a Banking Scandal


Book Description

In the early 1990s, the First National Bank of Keystone in West Virginia began buying and securitizing subprime mortgages from all over the country, and quickly grew from a tiny bank with just $100 million in assets to over $1.1 billion. For three years, it was listed as the most profitable large community bank in the country. It was all a fraud. All of the securitization deals the bank entered into lost money. To hide that fact, bank insiders started cooking the books, and concealing that they were also embezzling millions of dollars from the bank. This was all hidden from the bank's attorneys and auditors, federal bank examiners, and even the board of directors of the bank. To keep the examiners at bay, the bank insiders did everything possible to avoid giving them access to documents they were entitled to see, documents they knew would sink their scheme. The head of the bank even went so far as to bury four large truckloads of documents in a ditch on her ranch. Robert S. Pasley explores the failure of the First National Bank of Keystone, the intrigue involved, and the lessons that could have been learned and still can be learned about how banks operate, how federal banking regulators supervise financial institutions, how agencies interact with one another, and how such failures can be avoided in the future.




The Anatomy of Fraud and Corruption


Book Description

This ground-breaking book explores what happens when the fine line between competitive excellence and fraudulent and corrupt practice is crossed. Whilst most fraud literature focuses on the individual perpetrator, The Anatomy of Fraud and Corruption looks at how organizations as a whole and the people within it behave when fraud and corruption occur. By presenting a theoretical basis and a practical methodology for fraud risk awareness training, the book helps risk management professionals, and all those in critical corporate roles to redesign and train their organizations to strengthen their culture and become more resistant and resilient to the ever present threat of fraud and corruption. The Anatomy of Fraud and Corruption demonstrates that what we see as objective facts are not always what they seem. The qualified and uniquely experienced authors present a refreshing interpretation of Cressey's triangle of need, opportunity and rationalization. They employ a drama metaphor to reflect the interaction between fraudsters, victims and bystanders on the organizational stage. Corporate design, management and culture dictate what behaviour is normal or abnormal, whether it be manager and employee behaviour or their ability to become suspicious and question apparently improper actions. Using actual cases and investigations, the organizational conditions that give rise to fraud and corruption are explored. The authors then provide important insights as to how employees may be trained and motivated to reduce the likelihood and impact of fraudulent incidents. Whilst fundamentally a practical guide, this book is also essential reading for academics wanting to stay abreast of the latest developments in the study of ethics, organizational and work psychology and sociology, and criminology.




Anatomy of a Misfit


Book Description

“It’s rare that a book can be as funny and absolutely delightful as it is moving and thought provoking, and Anatomy of a Misfit is both.” —Lauren Oliver, author of Before I Fall Anika Dragomir is the third-most-popular girl at Pound High School. But inside, she knows she’s a freak; she can’t stop thinking about former loner Logan McDonough, who showed up on the first day of tenth grade hotter, bolder, and more mysterious than ever. Logan is fascinating, troubled, and off limits. The Pound High queen bee will make Anika’s life hell if she’s seen with him. So Anika must choose—ignore her feelings and keep her social status? Or follow her heart and risk becoming a pariah. Which will she pick? And what will she think of her choice when an unimaginable tragedy strikes, changing her forever? Part Morgan Matson, part Nicola Yoon, this incredible YA voice narrates a story Teen Vogue calls “perfection in book form.”




Her King the Con


Book Description

How could a smart, professional, savvy woman in her 50's become brainwashed by a young cyber criminal on the other side of the planet, who persuades her to send him her life savings? This shocking yet true story will have you on the edge of your seat as you learn the story of Linda Young's online love affair that nearly destroyed her life and the relationships she held dear. When Linda's sister Shelley recruited "the squad" they launched a full-fledged investigation intent on unmasking the con artist Linda referred to as her 'King.' As Shelley delved into the world of online romance scams, it was nearly impossible to find advice or expertise that she could use to break the hold the King had on her sister. After a three-month investigation, hiring two private investigators, hacking into email accounts, visiting the FBI, and speaking with psychological experts, what Shelley and the Squad uncovered can now help your loved ones who may be in denial that their online romance could be putting them at grave risk. Linda has since described her ordeal as "the worst thing that ever happened to me." She hopes to help others who've been targeted by scammers to know that strength, forgiveness, and hope exist in the aftermath. Shelley Frost and Linda Young are sisters, whose already rocky relationship was put to the test during the months that the King had his grips on Linda and her bank account. The nightmare they experienced through opposite viewpoints ended up strengthening their sisterhood and their love for each other. But it was a final piece of irrefutable evidence uncovered by the squad that finally lifted Linda from the fog of manipulation, causing a body blow to the King who was hell-bent on keeping his gold-mine Queen.




The Scam Handbook


Book Description

From the charming and seductive hustler--an icon of 1920s film noir--to the cyber hack who can truly vanish without a trace, this book exposes all the tricks of the trade of a con artist.




LEAA


Book Description




On Duties


Book Description

This is the most complete, readable, and explanatory edition of Cicero's "On Duties" available in English. “On Duties” represents the pinnacle of Western moral philosophy. Not only is it an unmatched practical guide to conduct, but it also serves as a profoundly ennobling vision of man. Acknowledged as a supreme moral authority for many centuries, it was the second book (after the Gutenberg Bible) to be printed following the invention of the printing press. This new English translation by Quintus Curtius was specifically designed with the needs of the modern reader in mind. It reproduces the majesty and elegance of the original, while at the same time containing features found in no other edition. Lucid, precise, and accessible, this complete and unabridged edition contains the following special features: 1. An innovative topical organizational scheme that permits easy location of subjects and terms 2. Detailed textual notes for unfamiliar terms and historical references 3. Detailed commentaries and synopses on the text 4. Complete subject and name index 5. Additional explanatory essays Quintus Curtius is an attorney, writer, and former Marine officer. He can be found at www.qcurtius.com.




Fraud Exposed


Book Description

Long accepted as a cost of doing business, occupational fraud has recently proven to be much more dangerous to a company than previously thought. Enron, Global Crossing, and other high-profile cases have shown that the risks can be enormous. Fraud Exposed shows how traditional methods of dealing with occupational fraud are inadequate and how an organization's mindset must change if it is to be more effective in dealing with this problem. In-depth insights and practical advice show readers how to apply criminal and law enforcement response models to workplace fraud prevention and detection; analyze financial controls to prevent occupational fraud; as well as examine and improve current defenses to occupational fraud. Written by an expert in this field, Fraud Exposed provides organizations with a realistic approach to uncovering fraud and eliminating it before any damage is done. Joseph W. Koletar, PhD (Glen Rock, NJ), is a Principal and Service Line Leader in Ernst & Young's Forensic and Security Services Practice in New York. Prior to joining Ernst & Young, he was the director of the Forensic and Corporate Investigative Services practice of Deloitte & Touche LLP. Before joining the private sector, Dr. Koletar spent twenty-five years as a special agent in the FBI.