A A Study of Modus Operandi and Guidelines for Improving the Interrogation of Online Shopping and Service Fraud

Abstract

The incidence of fraud and deception in online sales and services tends to be greater due to the public's increasing tendency to purchase products through online channels, leading to an increase in the number of victims. This study aims to explore (1) the perpetrators’ modus operandi in online shopping and service fraud, (2) the interrogation process, including the problems and obstacles encountered, and (3) guidelines for improving police interrogation of online shopping and service fraud. This study employed a qualitative research method, using in-depth interviews with the key informants. These included six police officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Division 1 - 2 and local police stations, as well as six individuals who were victims of online shopping fraud. The findings revealed that online shopping fraud primarily occurred on Facebook. The perpetrators selected products for deception based on the season or the current demand for those products. The most common form of fraud involves the non-delivery of products after payment by money transfer from the victims. The crucial method of police investigation was to examine financial transactions to track perpetrators. However, problems of mule accounts, failure with bank corporation to request suspicious account information, and a lack of technological skills among police officers were encountered. Therefore, improvement guidelines for training and enhancement of technological knowledge and skill for police officers must be established. Moreover, fostering cooperation with external agencies to handle these problems effectively in the future should be emphasized.