Field Guide - Fraud and Scams

Field Guide: Fraud breaks down how fraud actually works in the real world-beyond definitions and theory. Drawing on operational experience, this guide examines fraud as a structured, repeatable system rather than a one-off act of deception. It covers the core mechanics behind common fraud types, including romance fraud, investment scams, identity theft, contractor fraud, and business email compromise, showing how they follow consistent patterns of behaviour, communication, and payment methods.
The guide explains how fraud networks operate, the role of technology in scaling activity, and how money is moved after the initial offence. It also addresses why enforcement is challenging and why most traditional prevention advice fails in practice. Focused on practical insight, this book highlights the red flags that actually matter and the behaviours that interrupt fraud in real time. It is designed for anyone looking to understand how fraud operates at scale and how to recognize it before it succeeds.