The value of offender profiling in credit card fraud

Abstract

The use of credit cards is prevalent in modern day society and credit card fraud has kept on growing in recent years. Financial losses owing to fraud affect not only merchants and banks (for example, repayments), but also individual clients. If the bank loses money, customers eventually pay as well through higher interest rates, higher membership fees, etc. Fraud may also affect the reputation and image of a merchant causing non-financial losses that, though difficult to quantify in the short term, may become visible in the long term The aim of this research is to evaluate how offender profiling can be used as a technique in the investigation of credit card fraud within the Alexandra Cluster area. A successful investigation begins at the crime scene. Hence, it is important for investigators to always remember the objectives of crime investigation. Offender profiling remains a tool in investigations, despite concerns about its effectiveness. The value of offender profiling in the investigation of credit card fraud was discussed. The researcher utilised national and international literature sources to gather new and current techniques credit card fraud investigations. Interviews were conducted with ten South African Police Service (SAPS) members who are investigating specifically credit card fraud cases. The inclusive purpose of this study was to provide practical recommendations for the implementation and use of offender profiling by SAPS members in the investigation of credit card fraud.