The Psychology of Cybercrime
Source: Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging
Published: 2026
Summary:
Join us for an important conversation with FightCyberCrime.org executive director Ally Armeson and director of clinical programs and trauma recovery Dr. Jen Lawrence, as well as Bob Blancato with the Elder Justice Coalition to talk about cybercrime. This presentation combines data-driven and clinical perspectives on the impact of online fraud on older adults and the requirements for meaningful recovery. While the session addresses online crime broadly, it will also address the most devastating cases, including romance fraud and crypto investment fraud, where the psychological and financial harm can be life-altering. The presentation will cover the psychology scammers use to manipulate victims, why breaking free from a complicated relationship fraud is far harder than it looks, and what the emotional and financial aftermath actually feels like from the inside. Drawing on five years of survivor data and program outcomes, presenters will share what structured recovery looks like and why it is the missing layer of consumer protection. The session will also address current gaps in federal law that leave fraud victims without adequate rights or support. Current legislative efforts will be highlighted alongside concrete steps that elder justice advocates and professionals can take to move the needle. The session is designed to be practical and actionable, giving the audience concrete language, referral pathways, and policy talking points they can use immediately in their work with older adults.
You can download the Powerpoint presentations and the resources that were highlighted below:
Lies Government Imposters Tell
Link to ACL Toolkit
Link: The Psychology of Cybercrime
Topics: Emotional/Psychological Abuse, Financial Abuse
Access: Web-based
Intended Use: Self-directed Learning, Teaching Others
Audience:
Language: English
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