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Abstract

It is estimated that individuals loose about £7 billion each year in the United Kingdom [UK] to fraud, and it is the most commonly experienced crime type (Crowe, 2017). The impact of fraud on older adults can have a devastating and long-term effect on their lives, however it is thought that less than 20% of fraud cases are reported (National Crime Agency [NCA], n.d.). Technology has been part of the anti-fraud landscape for decades, but with the seemingly ever-increasing speed of technological developments and more people going online with handheld devices fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated and taking advantage of people, especially older adults and the vulnerable (Cross, 2021). This dissertation set out to review the potential for technology to prevent fraud against older adults by exploring the literature surrounding fraud and technology, why older adults are targets, the current technology available and emerging technological solutions. A theoretical perspective is also presented by linking anti-fraud technology and situational crime prevention [SCP] theory. This literature review gathered sources from leading manufacturers of technology that’s primary goal is to design devices to combat against fraud or technology that can also be use against fraud, secondary to the main reason for its development. Literature from technology reviews allowed for their applicability to be accessed and any disadvantages they may have. Fraud literature and statistics ensured the background of fraud against older adults is understood and the need for a review into the potential of technology to be undertaken.

The outcome shows that technology can help prevent fraud against older adults, however as it continues to develop in new ways to protect consumers, it is also developing at the same rate for fraudsters, indicating that no technology is going to provide a fool proof way of preventing fraud. SCP is a viable theoretical perspective to tackle certain fraud types, with a focus on trying to reduce crime opportunities (Freilich & Newman, 2017). Education and engagement of older adults about fraud tactics was also identified as a key area going forward to help safeguard them from fraud.

Course: Policing and Investigation - BSc (Hons)

Date Deposited: 2022-09-21

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14023.html