UNODC Publishes Handbook on Preventing Organised Fraud

Key points include:

➡️ Communication as Prevention: Well-designed communication is identified as a key cost-effective tool for reducing fraud risk and preventing victimisation;

➡️ Behaviourally Informed Messaging: Messages are more effective when they are timely, clear, inclusive and tailored to how victims respond under pressure;

➡️ Addressing Communication Barriers: The handbook highlights common weaknesses such as message fatigue, poor accessibility and generic warnings that fail to resonate with target audiences;

➡️ Role Across the Fraud Chain: Effective interventions can be delivered by a wide range of actors, including frontline staff, compliance teams, call handlers and other customer-facing functions;

➡️ Need for Real-Time Adaptation: Communication strategies should be supported by ongoing monitoring, evaluation and adaptation to respond to evolving fraud typologies and victim behaviour; and

➡️ Broader Harm Recognition: The handbook underlines that fraud causes not only financial loss, but also significant psychological and social harm, reinforcing the importance of early intervention.

✅ Firms should review customer-facing fraud communications to ensure they are timely, practical and behaviourally informed.

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