The problem of “white noise”: examining current prevention approaches to online fraud
| Published date | 03 October 2016 |
| Date | 03 October 2016 |
| Pages | 806-818 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JFC-12-2015-0069 |
| Author | Cassandra Cross,Michael Kelly |
| Subject Matter | Accounting & Finance,Financial risk/company failure,Financial crime |
The problem of “white noise”:
examining current prevention
approaches to online fraud
Cassandra Cross
School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology,
Brisbane, Australia, and
Michael Kelly
Financial Crimes Unit, Toronto Police Service, Toronto, Canada
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the current prevention messages that exist
surrounding the prevention of online fraud. In particular, it focuses on the amount and level of detail that
is promoted for each type of potential fraudulent approach.
Design/methodology/approach – Multiple data sources are used to establish the main premise of
this paper. This includes the publication entitled The Little Black Book of Scams, qualitative data from
victims who have experienced online fraud, and materials collected through a police investigation into
online fraud.
Findings – Results of this analysis indicate that current prevention messages are characterised by a
large degree of detail about the various ways that (online) fraud can be perpetrated. This is argued to be
ineffective, based on the experiences of victims who were unable to apply their previous knowledge
about fraud to their experiences. Additionally, the categorisation of fraudulent approaches is
highlighted as unimportant to offenders, who are focused on obtaining money by whatever means (or
approach) possible.
Practical implications – This paper provides the impetus to evaluate the effectiveness of current
prevention messages. It points to a simplication of existing prevention messages to focus more
importantly on the transfer of money and the protection of personal information.
Originality/value – This paper argues that current prevention messages are characterised by too
much “white noise”, in that they focus on an overwhelming amount of detail. This is argued to obscure
what should be a straightforward message which could have a greater impact than current messages.
Keywords Cybercrime, Fraud prevention, Crime prevention, Education campaigns, Online fraud,
Scams
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Fraud is a signicant problem. While not new, the evolution of technology has seen a
change in the way that fraud can be perpetrated, particularly through the internet (Yar,
2013). The use of the internet to disseminate fraudulent pitches has increased the
The authors gratefully acknowledge the Queensland Police Service and the Toronto Police
Service. However, all views expressed in this paper are solely those of the authors and do not
necessarily reect the position of the Queensland Police Service or the Toronto Police Service. All
errors and omissions are the responsibility of the authors.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
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JFC
23,4
806
Journalof Financial Crime
Vol.23 No. 4, 2016
pp.806-818
©Emerald Group Publishing Limited
1359-0790
DOI 10.1108/JFC-12-2015-0069
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