Cognitive Biases Influencing the Behavior of Online Fraud Victims and Considering Them in the Development of Victimological Prevention Measures

The rapid development of the digital environment as well as the increased complexity of online fraud schemes make the research of the psychophysiological basis of victim behavior particularly relevant. The current study is devoted to identifying the role of cognitive biases in the structure of vulnerability for online fraud victims and to showing the directions of improving the victimological practice. The methodological starting point for the authors is the recognition of the key role of mistakes of perception and behavior committed by a person at the moment of making a decision under manipulative pressure. The authors analyze both classical and modern research of cognitive psychology, including the works of D. Kahneman, and empirical data obtained by summarizing fraud cases, and compile a systematized list of most significant biases. It is stated that emotional triggers, such as fear, compassion, anxiety and urgency, become the means of activating «system 1» thinking that eliminates the critical assessment of a situation. The authors prove the necessity of a radical reconsideration of approaches to prevention and suggest the integration of cognitive science, behavioral economy, social engineering and legal fields of knowledge. As a practical takeaway, the authors present a model of targeted education, including emotionally-adapted scenarios, verified behavioral triggers and media-modules influencing the same perception mechanisms as those exploited by the criminals. It is stressed that the key to reducing victimity is not only the provision of information, but also the development of sustainable metacognitive strategies allowing a person to resist the manipulative impact at the early stages of communication.