Internet fraud is ubiquitous and pernicious.
Scam syndicates specialize in getting as much money out of their targets as possible and even compile a list of their victims to share with other criminal groups to keep ripping people off. This is because many victims are relatively isolated people, with almost no friends to help them. It is called a “sucker list.”
In the latest scam targeting those on this list, fraudsters present themselves as someone who would help the defrauded get their money back.
After being hustled by someone in a social media group, victims often return to the group to seek help.
Unfortunately, they are only to be exploited again — this time, by fake anti-fraud agencies, international lawyers and international hacker alliances.
The US Federal Trade Commission warns victims of scams to be extremely wary of social media groups that claim to be able to help them recover their money. Instead, it encourages them to report the incident or seek help from consumer protection agencies and state attorneys general, as they are the main governmental forces responsible for combating fraud.
In the perpetual battle against online scams, all countries have started to focus on building social resilience among the public.
Anti-fraud battles are not all about law enforcement officers working in the front lines. It also involves helping victims, protecting them and providing them with support.
In addition to speeding up the judicial process of returning the money to the victims, compensation must also be provided to help victims survive.
The social safety net must also provide care.
Without assistance in the real world, victims would go back to the Internet for help, where they might easily fall into another fraud trap.
Some might even take out loans to recover financially and the vicious circle could swirl into a financial black hole and become bigger, affecting the whole society.
Anti-fraud measures cannot rely only on the cooperation of four or five ministries, because in addition to preventing and blocking fraud, it is also necessary to provide legal advice and assistance to victims.
The US Bureau of Consumer Protection has an important function of providing consultation and education for the victims.
If the victim is a veteran, they can contact the US Department of Veterans Affairs for help.
In addition to the continuous efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat fraud, the care and recovery of the victims require the assistance and support of the entire society.
It cannot be limited to national police agency anti-fraud hotline 165 or the reporting hotline 110.
Anti-fraud is a critical task that tests not only the integration capabilities of governments, but also social cohesion and resilience.
Samuel Lin is a special agent of the Criminal Investigation Bureau.
Translated by Lin Lee-kai
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