Fraud Victimization and Advocacy: Changing the Narrative

Identity fraud and scams remain global problems that have ensnared even the most intelligent and financially savvy consumers. Criminals use a fraud playbook, by which they employ psychological warfare to steal money and sensitive information. It has been shown time and again that anyone can be a victim. Yet a stigma remains around victimization—a common misconception that victims are naïve, unintelligent, uneducated, or experiencing cognitive decline. Victims thus feel helpless, ashamed, alone, and unwilling to report fraud incidents. Advocates must ensure that victims feel safe in reporting fraud and further ensure that victims are not left to resolve fraud alone. By leading with compassion and empathy and spreading the message that scam victims are not to blame, advocates can empower victims and help remove the fraud victim stigma.

Foreword 

This report, sponsored by AARP, explores the immediate and long-term risks of scams and identity fraud for consumers while establishing a case for providing more compassionate fraud resolution and eliminating the victim stigma. 

This report was adapted from the 2024 Identity Fraud Study: Resolving the Shattered Identity Crisis, published by Javelin Strategy & Research in April 2024. Javelin Strategy & Research maintains complete independence in its data collection, findings, and analysis.