Subject Types of Forensic Psychological Examination Assigned in Connection with Phone Fraud

Characteristics of the mental (psychological) state of the victims of criminals presented in this article was based on the analysis of the practice of forensic psychological and complex forensic psychological and psychiatric examinations related to phone fraud. Victims’ specific state of mind led to certain actions, including offences or the transfer of confidential information necessary to steal their money. The sociological and psychological mechanisms of how this condition is formed and develops have been studied. The authors have highlighted the basic principles of consciousness and behavior manipulation: appeal to significant values and motives, considering victims’ individual psychological characteristics, creating conditions for communication isolated from outside influences to form dependent behavior.

The study of the mechanisms of the victims’ psyche showed that the basic characteristic of their psychological state is delusion, which is based on the incorrect semantic perception and assessment of the situation under the influence of fraudster’s psychological manipulation. Depending on the procedural role of the victim in the trial – victim, plaintiff or accused – the legal significance of the forensic psychological assessment of such a condition will be different, which defines the expert concepts described in the article as sub subjects of forensic examinations with the participation of a psychologist.

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