(2024年6月號578期動腦雜誌)
詐騙犯罪概況與趨勢
詐騙犯罪已經是世界性議題,根據國際刑警組織,投資詐騙、支付詐騙、愛情詐騙和商業郵件詐騙是目前最為盛行的幾種詐騙形式。美國聯邦調查局(FBI)指出,2023年美國網路詐騙案件造成超過125億美元的財損,較前一年增加22%;同年日本警察廳統計,總詐騙損失為441億日元,較前一年增加19.0%。
我國近年詐騙損失的金額也是逐年增加。根據刑事局統計,2023年超過新台幣88億元新台幣,創歷史新高;「詐騙比重」以案件統計,前三大依序為投資、網路購物、解除分期付款;「高財損」詐欺種類,占比依序為投資、解除分期付款、假冒公務機關。
後疫情時代,詐騙手法不斷翻新,詐騙犯罪已成為我國民眾的一大痛點。詐騙集團分工細緻化,利用跨境、虛擬貨幣等方式製造斷點,讓執法機關疲於奔命,只要一直有民眾受騙上當,政府部門就得花費人物力資源來處理,但是即便抓到犯罪嫌疑人,受騙款項仍可能難以追回。
政府打(反)詐騙策略與措施
為了有效打擊詐騙,政府除透過立法、修法、制定政策等手段來加強打擊外,更要發揮原創力,在「科技應用」、「法律監管」、「公眾宣導」與「跨部門合作」等面向,以創新的思維提出解決問題的新作法;用「魔高一尺,道高一丈」的打怪思維,把重點放在犯罪預防及偵查工作——前者的目的在讓一般民眾有感,後者的目的在讓第一線偵查人員有感。
在預防方面,政府可運用推力(nudge)和創新作法,讓特定族群(如高齡退休人士)熟悉詐騙樣態與識別方法,以達到犯罪預防目的。在偵查部分,政府應考量第一線偵查人員的困境,透過跨部會資源整合,支持偵查工作、提高偵查人員士氣。
全民打詐的重要性
如同美國FBI在其詐騙預防宣導官網上標示斗大標題:「Do Yourself a Favor: Be Crime Smart」(助己利己,聰明防詐),犯罪預防勝於事後追查,只要「人不掉進詐騙圈套、錢不匯入可疑帳戶」,詐騙集團就難以圖利生存。
打擊詐騙犯罪仰賴各界共同努力,建構全民打詐意識才能有效的防範詐騙,亦方為治本之道。
作者為銘傳大學犯罪防治學系助理教授、英國格拉斯哥大學碩士學程講座
At the international conference on May 16 organized by the Taiwan Advertising Council and others, it was noted that fraudulent activities are a global concern requiring global efforts to combat. Investment fraud, payment fraud, romance scams, and business email scams are major forms of fraud, according to Interpol. The FBI reported over $12.5 billion in internet fraud losses in 2023, a 22% increase from the previous year. Japan's National Police Agency recorded a 19.0% increase in fraud losses to 44.1 billion yen ($295.3 million) in the same year.
Fraud losses in Taiwan exceeded NT$8.8 billion in 2023, hitting a record high, based on Criminal Investigation Bureau data. The top three fraud types were investment fraud, online shopping scams, and installment payment termination. Investment fraud, installment payment termination, and impersonation of government agencies accounted for the highest financial losses.
In the post-pandemic era, evolving fraud techniques pose a significant concern. Fraud groups have become more specialized, using cross-border transactions, virtual currencies, and other methods to create obstacles for law enforcement. This puts a strain on law enforcement agencies, as they must allocate resources to handle cases where citizens fall victim to fraud. Even when suspects are apprehended, recovering defrauded funds can be challenging.
To effectively combat fraud, the government must not only strengthen enforcement through legislation, policy reforms, and technological advancements but also harness creativity. Innovative approaches in technology application, legal oversight, public education, and interdepartmental collaboration are crucial. Emphasizing a proactive approach in crime prevention and investigation is essential—raising awareness among the general public and supporting frontline investigators.
In terms of prevention, the government can utilize nudges and innovative methods to familiarize specific groups (such as elderly retirees) with fraud patterns and identification methods. Regarding investigation, addressing the challenges faced by frontline investigators and integrating resources across departments to support investigative work and boost morale are vital.
As emphasized by the FBI on its fraud prevention website with the bold title "Do Yourself a Favor: Be Crime Smart," preventing crime is better than reactive measures. Ensuring that individuals do not fall into fraud traps and refrain from transferring funds to suspicious accounts makes it difficult for fraud groups to thrive. Fighting fraud demands a united effort from the international community and widespread awareness of fraud prevention nationwide to achieve an effective solution.
(The author is an assistant professor at the Department of Criminal Justice, Ming Chuan University, and an affiliated lecturer at the University of Glasgow, UK.)