Romanova N.M., Kiselev K.A. Cyber fraud targeting underaged: socio psychological analysis of psychological influence

This article presents a socio-psychological analysis of fraud against the underaged through remote technologies. Current statistics indicate an increasing prevalence of such crimes. The study employs case study methodology, content analysis of media publications, frequency analysis, and generalization. The empirical sample consists of online media materials from the past three years covering cases of remote fraud against the underaged (N=70), with the average victim age being 12.24 years. The research identifies cognitive (authority manipulation, creation of "alternative reality," gradual involvement, "social proof effect," exploitation of cognitive errors, use of deception, SMS-spoofing and phishing), emotional (manipulation of fear and guilt, exploitation of love for relatives and friendship, emotional pressure, threats, leveraging adolescents' emotional and volitional immaturity), and behavioral aspects (formation of compliant behaviour patterns, isolation, demands for specific algorithmic actions, creation of time pressure, escalation of involvement, gradual increase of demands, physical contact) of psychological impact in cyber fraud targeting the underaged.
Keywords: psychological impact, psychological manipulation, cyber fraud, cybercrime, remote fraud, social engineering.