Fraud-induced Psychosis: A Case Series

Online fraud cases have increased significantly and globally during the past decade. In Malaysia, a total of 36,936 fraud cases were reported in 2023, involving a total loss of $12.8 billion per year. Online commercial transactions, including but not limited to financial borrowing, were among the most reported fraud cases. Financial insecurity, social isolation, and loneliness are some of the multiple factors that predispose an individual to be susceptible to fraud-related activities. Victims of online fraud have been found to be older and female and to have higher scores on the impulsivity measures of urgency and sensation seeking, and higher addiction measures. The impact of fraud on the victims can lead to both physical and mental health problems and adverse mental health outcomes. This report describes 2 cases of brief psychotic disorder that were associated with stress from being victimized by online fraud-related behavior. Both cases involved individuals experiencing psychological distress following an online fraud.