Why do individuals respond to fraudulent scam communications and lose money? The psychological determinants of scam compliance
Peter Fischer, Stephen Lea and K. M. Evans compared people who did and did not report past compliance with scams, in two questionnaire studies including a simulated scam. The main differences were in responses to very large prizes, positive feelings at the thought of winning, reliance on signs of official authority, and self-confidence.
Peter Fischer, Stephen Lea and K. M. Evans compared people who did and did not report past compliance with scams, in two questionnaire studies including a simulated scam. The main differences were in responses to very large prizes, positive feelings at the thought of winning, reliance on signs of official authority, and self-confidence.
Written from the abstract read 2026-10-11.
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Fischer, P., Lea, S. E. G., & Evans, K. M. (2013). 'Why do individuals respond to fraudulent scam communications and lose money? The psychological determinants of scam compliance.' Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 43(10), 2060-2072. doi:10.1111/jasp.12158.