Findings of fraud research revealed

The results of the preliminary research conducted by Assoc. Prof. Abdurrahman Yılmaz and Sociologist Kadir Gürtan to evaluate the social and individual effects of fraud incidents were shared. 37% of the respondents stated that they were subjected to internet fraud, 15% were deceived with unrealistic information during face-to-face shopping, and 10% were defrauded over the phone.

The results of the preliminary research on “Social and Individual Reflections of Fraud” were shared. The research, conducted by Beykent University Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Sociology Assoc. Prof. Abdurrahman Yılmaz and Sociologist Kadir Gürtan, was conducted through interviews with 306 fraud victims residing in Istanbul.

According to the findings of the preliminary research, the types and rates of fraud are as follows:

Internet Frauds: %37

Fraud in Sales (Face-to-Face) Transaction: 15%

Telephone – Social Engineering / Script Fraud: 10%

Credit Card / ATM / Banking etc. Fraud: %7

Business Startup / Investment: %4

Other %11

According to the study, which also examined the behavior of fraud victims, 64% of victims feel guilty after being scammed. Mixed emotional reactions, including sadness, anger at oneself, and anger at the fraudster, were observed. 72% of fraud victims report a loss of trust in other people and 47% in life in general. Loss of self-confidence is observed in 54%. Fraud affects trust in one’s immediate environment (32%), security forces (40%) and justice (44%).

“Women try to find the fraudster”

Respondents state that they first share their scams with their families. While the rate of those who stated that they shared their scams with their friends is higher among men, 22% of women make more effort to find the scammer than men when it comes to “trying to find the scammer”.

“It causes social and individual problems”

Speaking about the preliminary research, Assoc. Prof. Abdurrahman Yılmaz said, “This preliminary research shows that fraud causes social and individual problems beyond financial losses. In the fight against fraud, it is important to take social awareness and proactive measures in addition to legal regulations. Efforts in this field in Turkey need to be more systemic and institutionalized.”