STOP BLAMING VICTIMS!
Author: Adam Carter - Three minute read
At Consumer Friend, we talk quite a lot about scams, schemes, and shady shenanigans that criminals cook up. While we like to talk to you about your rights when you’re buying stuff, both myself and Louise have a huge amount of experience in fraud and scams. In fact, Louise started the National Trading Standards Scams Team back in 2012 and has since received an MBE from Prince William for her work.
This week, on our podcast, we had the privilege of talking to Dr. Elisabeth Carter, criminologist, forensic linguist, and all-around language detective. Trust me, this was an eye-opener—even for someone who spends a lot of time thinking about fraud.
Now, you might be thinking, “Forensic linguistics? That sounds like some kind of American crime series that we all love to lap up for some unknown reason! But there are actual people that do this kind of stuff! Who knew? Dr. Carter’s expertise is in breaking down how criminals use language to manipulate us. And spoiler alert: they’re scarily good at it.
Fraud Isn’t Just About Money
Fraud isn’t just about having money stolen—it’s about losing trust, security, and sometimes even a bit of dignity. Dr. Carter laid it out perfectly: “Fraud is deeply psychological. It’s about coercion and control, and it mirrors the tactics we see in domestic abuse.” Let that sink in for a second.
It’s wild to think about, but these criminals are essentially professional manipulators. They don’t just steal your money—they steal your decision-making power. From romance scams to Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud (that’s when you authorise a payment to someone who turns out to be a criminal), these criminals know exactly what to say to push your buttons.
So what do you do when the years of research that you have put in has found out some extremely valuable information? Information that can truly be a game changer for how everyone treats victims of fraud, from friends and family to law enforcement to charities and other support agencies. Information that needs to be understood, digested and acted on. Information that when you try to get government and other agencies to listen, falls on deaf ears.
Well Dr. Carter took her inspiration from Andy Dufresne (had to check spelling) from the number one film of all time (according to both me and the International Movie Data Base(IMDB)), The Shawshank Redemption and instead of writing letters, wrote emails upon emails upon emails. Eventually she managed to get on the BBC Mid-morning romance fraud program – For Love or Money. From there, her stock rose, and she is now a key note speaker at events and sits on countless working groups around scams and romance fraud whilst also lecturing at Kingston University! Boom – Go Liz!
Words Matter More Than You Think
Fraudsters are linguistic ninjas – example: the evil love child of Emily Bronte and Bruce Lee, if there wasn’t 92 years between Emilys death and Bruces birth (note to self – ‘Bruce Lee’ sounds a million times better than ‘Bruce’). Ok – rubbish example but I can’t be bothered to think of another one. I don’t even think Bruce Lee was a ninja! FFS! I am proper s##t at this!
They use carefully chosen words to manipulate emotions, create urgency, and convince victims to act against their better judgment. Dr. Carter gave us an example: when criminals pretend to be from a bank, they mimic the exact tone and terminology a real bank would use. The result? Victims trust them. They even test their language out on potential victims, trying out slight changes with each communication, seeing which ones work best. They are constantly getting better at what they do.
“Fraudsters use language as a weapon,” Elisabeth explained. “They craft their words to instill trust, fear, or urgency—and it works.” And while we’re out here fumbling over a text reply, they’re scripting entire conversations designed to reel people in.
Speaking of language, did you know that how we talk about fraud victims can actually make things worse? Calling someone’s money “lost” implies it was their fault. Dr. Carter suggests we say “stolen” instead. See the difference? Words matter.
Victims Are Not to Blame
Let’s make one thing clear: if you’ve become a victim of fraud, it’s not your fault. Dr. Carter was adamant about this, and so are we. Fraudsters are professionals. They study human behaviour, perfect their tactics, and prey on trust.
One part of our chat that hit me hard was how vulnerable neurodiverse people can be to these tactics. If someone interprets language literally, they are probably more susceptible to scams that others would spot as dodgy. It’s yet another reminder that fraud prevention has to work for everyone—not just those who think like the fraudster.
Takeaways from the Episode
What can you do? Well, for starters, tune in to the full podcast episode. It’s packed with insights and practical tips (pod below). But here’s the TL;DR* version:
Stay Sceptical: just because it’s written on the internet or in a text, it doesn’t make it true. .
Pause Before You Act: fraudsters thrive on urgency. Take a breath.
Empathy Over Blame: If you know someone who’s been scammed, don’t shame them. Support them.
Oh, and if a “bank” calls you asking for your password, hang up. Seriously, they don’t need it.
Closing Thoughts
I have known Liz now for about six years and not only is she so incredibly knowledgeable on this subject (she is after all an associate professor at Kingston University) she is also such a lovely, wonderful person, she always has time for you. I went to the Tackling economic Crime Award dinner last week and saw her pick up the award for Outstanding Female Professional, an award so well deserved!
The first bow tie and probably last I will ever tie!
Me (middle), Sarah (mate and work colleague - Left) and Doctor Elisabeth Carter (right). Taken at the Tackling Economic Crime Awards in November 2024. Just before Liz went on to pick up the award for Outstanding Female Professional.
Dr. Carter’s insights left us with a lot to think about, and maybe a little paranoia about our inboxes (just me?). This episode is an absolute must-listen. Fraud isn’t just about stolen cash—it’s about stolen trust.
So, grab a coffee, hit play on the latest episode, and let’s get wise to these criminals together.
Much love — Adam
*TL:DR – Too long: Didn’t Read – I recently found this out and got quite excited when using it in this blog, made me feel a bit younger 😊
Podcast Title: Consumer Friend Podcast – Exploring the Language of Fraud - STOP BLAMING VICTIMS
Episode Title: Decoding Criminal Tactics with Dr. Elisabeth Carter
Release Date: 25 Nov 2024
Host(s):
Adam Carter
Louise Baxter MBE (LouBax)
Guest(s):
Dr. Elisabeth Carter – Associate Professor at Kingston University specializing in criminology and forensic linguistics.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Consumer Friend Podcast, Adam and Louise are joined by Dr. Elisabeth Carter, a leading expert in forensic linguistics and criminology. Dr. Carter provides fascinating insights into how language is used by criminals to manipulate and coerce their victims, from postal fraud to romance scams and APP fraud (Authorised Push Payment fraud).
Elisabeth explains the psychological tactics used to groom victims into compliance, comparing these methods to coercive control in domestic abuse. Drawing from her research and collaboration with law enforcement, she discusses how tailored communication and reframing language—such as using "stolen" instead of "lost"—can empower victims and challenge the stigma of fraud.
Listeners will walk away with a greater understanding of the power of words in both committing fraud and supporting victims, as well as how to spot and resist these manipulative tactics.
Key Takeaways:
Fraud as Coercion: Fraud mirrors coercive control, focusing on manipulating victims through language and psychological grooming.
The Power of Words: Criminals use carefully chosen phrases to instill trust, urgency, or fear, grooming victims into harmful actions.
Victim Support: Using empathetic language—such as framing funds as "stolen"—can empower victims and reduce feelings of shame or blame.
Neurodiverse Vulnerabilities: Criminals exploit how neurodiverse individuals may interpret language literally, underscoring the need for protective measures.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Elisabeth’s work helps police and other responders improve their communication with victims, ensuring more effective support.
Notable Quotes:
Dr. Elisabeth Carter: “Fraud isn’t just a financial crime; it’s deeply psychological. Victims are groomed to harm themselves through coercion.”
LouBax: “What resonates is how similar the tactics in fraud are to coercive control in domestic abuse. It’s about control, manipulation, and psychological dominance.”
Adam Carter: “The way banks and police communicate with victims can either reinforce shame or empower them. That language makes all the difference.”
Resources & Links:
Consumer Friend Website – For tips and resources on consumer protection.
Thames Valley Police Romance Fraud Booklet – Co-authored by Dr. Elisabeth Carter.
Action Fraud – UK’s national fraud reporting center.
Victim Support UK – Support for victims of crime, including fraud.
Timestamps:
[00:00] – Introduction: Adam and Louise introduce Dr. Elisabeth Carter and the focus of the episode.
[03:15] – Elisabeth explains the parallels between fraud and coercive control.
[08:45] – The psychology of language: How fraudsters manipulate victims through words.
[15:30] – Tailored language for victim support: Empowering victims by reframing narratives.
[23:00] – Neurodiversity and fraud vulnerability: How criminals exploit literal interpretation.
[35:00] – Insights from Elisabeth’s work with law enforcement.
[40:15] – Closing thoughts and resources for fraud prevention and victim support.
Follow Us:
Website: Consumer Friend
Twitter: @ConsumerFriendUK
Instagram: @ConsumerFriendOfficialUK
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the psychological impact of fraud and the importance of language in supporting victims and combating criminal tactics.