Author Identifier

Vanessa Perera

http://orcid.org/0009-0006-9641-9202

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Bachelor of Computing and Security Honours

School

School of Science

First Supervisor

David Cook

Abstract

This study discovers the tactics employed to create detrimental effects upon older people impacted from fraudulent tech-support incidents. It examines social engineering, and financial confusion of older people. This is significant considering adaptations towards digital banking and payment management. This research looked at online and active over 65s. Using largely qualitative approaches over 65s were interviewed and responses validated against cyber-professionals’ responses. This identified three key findings: older adults feel confused and misunderstand tech support scams; threat actors build trust by pretending to offer technical help but use this to deceive their victims; and older adults face serious social and financial challenges because of poor advice and misinformation. This research prompts urgent training, socialisation, and recognition of tech-support deceptiveness.

DOI

10.25958/sfmk-dv46

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