Fraud is a growing global issue, affecting millions of people each year. As a survivor of romance fraud, I have dedicated my work to educating individuals, financial institutions, and law enforcement on how we can better prevent, detect, and respond to fraud. But there’s an urgent conversation we need to have about how we work with victims - one that shifts the focus away from solely blaming consumers and instead looks at fraud as a systemic issue that requires a collective response.
The shared responsibility of fraud prevention
For years, the dominant message has been about consumer awareness: “Be careful.” “Don’t share your personal details.” “If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.” While education is critical, placing too much responsibility on consumers can create a cycle of shame when they fall victim to fraud.
Imagine I tell you, “Watch out for that lamppost,” but you still walk into it. How would you feel? Probably embarrassed. Now imagine being scammed, losing money, and then hearing: “You should have known better.” The shame and guilt that follow can prevent victims from coming forward, leaving fraud unreported and enabling criminals to continue their schemes unchecked.
Fraud prevention should not just be about teaching consumers to “be more careful.” We must build a system that makes it significantly harder for criminals to succeed in the first place. Financial institutions, governments, law enforcement, and technology providers all play a role in creating a safer financial ecosystem.
The power of survivor education
One of the most effective ways to educate the public is through the stories of fraud victims themselves. I have seen firsthand how real-life experiences resonate far more deeply than generic warnings. When victims share their stories, they bring fraud out of the shadows, showing that it can happen to anyone regardless of age, education, gender, background, or experience.
Survivors can play a key role in breaking the cycle of fraud by helping others recognize red flags early and, more importantly, by advocating for systemic changes. Their voices add credibility and urgency to the conversation, making it clear that fraud is not just an individual problem, it’s a societal one.
Reaching consumers where they are
If we truly want to educate consumers about fraud, we need to start by meeting them where they are. Different generations consume information in different ways:
• Gen Z spends hours on TikTok and other short-form video platforms. Quick, engaging, and relatable content is the best way to reach them.
• Millennials are active on Instagram and podcasts, preferring visual storytelling and deeper discussions.
• Older generations still rely on traditional media like television and newspapers and often prefer in-person engagement through bank branches, seminars, or community events.
A one-size-fits-all approach to fraud education won’t work. We need to tailor our communication strategies to ensure the message is heard by everyone, regardless of their age or digital habits.
The danger of over-reliance on awareness
Ironically, awareness campaigns can sometimes backfire. When people are repeatedly warned about fraud but still fall victim, they feel even worse. They may hesitate to report the crime, fearing judgment or blame.
This is why we must shift from a purely awareness-driven approach to one that prioritizes fraud prevention technology. There are advanced tools available today, such as behavioral biometrics and Verification of Payee, to detect payment fraud in real time, identifying scams before the money is sent. These technologies remove some of the burden from consumers and place it where it belongs on making fraud harder to commit in the first place.
Making fraud less attractive for criminals
At the end of the day, if fraud remains easy and profitable, criminals will continue to exploit vulnerabilities. It is not enough to educate consumers; we need to change the system to make fraud riskier and less lucrative for criminals. This means:
• Stricter regulations and penalties for fraudsters.
• Better coordination between banks, law enforcement, and tech companies.
• Advanced fraud detection tools that intervene before money is lost.
A collective effort to break the cycle
Fraud is not just a consumer issue—it is a systemic problem that requires a united effort. Financial institutions, governments, and tech companies must work together to create better protections, while survivor-led education ensures that the human impact of fraud is never ignored.
The goal is not just to raise awareness but to create real, structural change. Because if we continue to focus only on telling consumers to “be careful,” we will never break the cycle. It’s time to shift from awareness to action and that means working together to make fraud prevention stronger at every level.
