From ‘Rogue Traders’ to Organized Crime Groups: Doorstep Fraud of Older Adults

Abstract

This paper explores fraudulent acts by offenders who target and pressurize older adults 'on the doorstep' to have property repairs, often misrepresenting themselves as skilled tradesmen, and overcharging for such work. It uses extensive documentary materials from 11 enforcement operations in England together with interviews with trading standards officers and financial investigators. Using Reiner's (2000) Necessary Conditions of Crime framework illustrates the dynamics of doorstep fraud-from 'low-value' crimes to incidents of grooming and repeated victimization to the actions of organized crime groups often involving money laundering. The paper's contribution is a focus on a relatively understudied but vulnerable demographic group in criminology, and in highlighting the investigation practices of non-constabulary law enforcement officers who have not been the subject of empirical study in criminology.

Vulnerability as a driver of the police response to fraud

“…This is evident not only from the direct questions about age, but also the surrounding vulnerability indicators in Table I that acted as proxy indicators (for example, mental disability, care needs and being socially isolated). Additionally, specific fraud-types, such as bogus trader fraud or abuse of position of trust, are known to disproportionately target the elderly community (Phillips, 2017). In this regard, the various indicators in use appear to be reaching for the same cohort of victims.…”

“…In terms of impact experienced by victims, the modus operandi , financial loss, emotional and social impact of fraud show wide variation with some victims significantly impacted (Cross et al , 2016; Whitty and Buchanan, 2015) and others for whom the impact appears to be less (Blakeborough and Correia, 2018). And finally, some fraudsters are known to single out and target specific individuals on multiple occasions: individuals within the elderly community or those with a mental impairment have been highlighted (Dalley et al , 2017; NAO, 2016; Phillips, 2017). Repeat offending against individuals can also be achieved by means of social engineering or grooming (Age UK, 2015; Whitty, 2018) and is inherent in recognised fraud categories such as recovery fraud[2] (Home Office, 2018b).…”

“…phishing emails), to others that home in on either specific markets (e.g. ticket sales) or particular demographic groups, such as the elderly (Phillips, 2017). Previous research has taken a macro-perspective of the likelihood of people falling victim to fraud based on certain attitudes and behaviours (Home Office, 2015; National Fraud Authority [NFA], 2011).…”

“…The susceptibility of the elderly is commonly framed within the consumer protection remit for preventing “scams” which are often committed by post, over the phone or door-to-door (Age UK, 2015; Phillips, 2017). In other contexts, such as online fraud, a younger demographic has been found to be more susceptible to victimisation (Hadlington and Chivers, 2018).…”

Researching the financial abuse of individuals lacking mental capacity

“…Strangers. Many studies of financial abuse relate to "scams" by strangerseither in person at the door (Phillips, 2017) or online/by post (www.thinkjessica.com/). While this research did not set out to investigate abuse of this type, safeguarding professionals who were interviewed did mention this as a significant problem.…”