Sociological analysis of the problem of telephone fraud: economic and socio-psychological damage

The relevance of studying the problem of telephone fraud is determined by the rapid digitalization of society and the emergence of new technologically sophisticated schemes of financial deception targeting the population. In the context of intensive growth of cybercrime, representatives of older age groups demonstrate particular vulnerability, which requires a multidisciplinary analysis of both economic consequences and socio-psychological mechanisms of victimization.
The purpose of the study is a comprehensive sociological analysis of the phenomenon of telephone fraud, with particular emphasis on assessing the economic and socio-psychological damage inflicted on crime victims.
The objectives of the study are to identify and characterize group risks, economic effects, study psychological consequences for victims, characterize modern high-tech fraud schemes, and consider ways to form sociopsychological resilience brought by victims to highly skilled manipulations.
Methodology. The empirical and informational basis of the study consists of a mass questionnaire survey of the population using a quota sample, in-depth interviews with experts from among law enforcement officers, and a secondary analysis of VTsIOM data.
Results. In the case of telephone fraud, older people, firstly, lose financial resources, secondly, experience a significant deterioration in their overall emotional state and well-being, and thirdly, chronic diseases are exacerbated.
Conclusions. The formation of socio-psychological resistance of potential elderly victims to manipulation seems possible through: firstly, cognitive restructuring of basic social attitudes; secondly, weakening of hypertrophied behavioral reactions; thirdly, by reducing strict self-control due to seeking advice from relatives and friends; thirdly, by reducing the readiness for mandatory and quick cooperation with representatives of official bodies (which the calling scammers are not in reality)

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