The phone rings and an unknown voice asks, for example: "Guess who it is?". The victim, often an elderly person, makes a guess and the perpetrator slips into the appropriate role, often as a grandson. Using this basis of trust, the supposed grandson tells of a planned house purchase for which a deposit is urgently needed and asks the grandmother or grandfather for financial help. The story is backed up by other callers, such as an alleged notary, until the victim hands over the money.
Sociologist Dr. Christian Thiel has researched why scams like the grandchild trick still work. He describes fraud as a complex "street theater" in which not only the actual deception, but also the entire process, such as the dramaturgy and the story, are central. Many of the fraudulent techniques are centuries old, but are still effective. Dr. Christian Thiel has followed legal and media cases and conducted interviews with victims, perpetrators and the police.
Fraud, especially grandchild fraud, is deeply rooted in the manipulation of trust and emotions. Fraud is not only about stealing assets, but also about putting the victim in a position where they do not turn to third parties or the police. For example, situations are created in which the victim has behaved immorally or remains silent out of shame. Dr. Christian Thiel emphasizes that there is a detailed set of tactics and strategies behind every trick.
Source: idw-online.de
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