Fraud Interview Guide

Fraud Victim Interview Guide

Preparation

• Review Case Details: Examine prior reports, victim background, and fraud type.Prepares officer for trauma-informed, culturally sensitive interview and evidence collection.
• Cultural/Language Considerations: Identify language barriers and arrange interpreters.Ensures accessibility and cultural awareness.
• Recording: Use video/audio (with consent).Captures admissible and accurate record.
• Environment: Choose a quiet, private setting.Promotes comfort and openness.

Section 1: Introduction & Rapport Building

• Can you tell me your full name, date of birth, and contact information?Confirms identity for records.
• Can you share a bit about yourself and your background?Builds rapport and establishes baseline.
• Is there anything about your background or preferences that would make this easier for you?Ensures cultural sensitivity and accessibility.
• Are you comfortable proceeding with this interview? Would you like anyone else present?Trauma-informed consent and comfort.
• Have you previously reported this incident?Avoids duplication and checks reporting history.

Section 2: Overview of the Incident

• Start from the beginning and tell me everything you remember.Encourages free recall.
• When did you first realize something was wrong?Establishes timeline of awareness.
• What made you believe this was fraud?Identifies red flags and suspect behavior.
• What worries you most about this situation?Uncovers ongoing risks.

Section 3: Fraud Details

• What type of fraud do you believe this was?Helps categorize investigation.
• How were you first contacted?Identifies vector of contact.
• Do you have any of the original communications?Sources digital evidence.
• Did you provide any personal or financial information?Assesses scope of compromise.
• Did you send any money or assets?Establishes loss and financial trail.
• Were you promised anything in return?Identifies manipulation strategy.
• Did you ever meet the suspect in person?Identifies leads for surveillance.
• If you could imagine how someone might scam others like this, what would be the easiest way?Uncovers broader fraud patterns.

Section 4: Timeline and Communication Channels

• Can you outline a timeline of key events?Aligns events with evidence.
• What platforms were used to communicate?Identifies data sources.

Section 5: Impact Assessment

• What is your total estimated financial loss?Determines charge severity.
• How has this impacted your daily life or well-being?Identifies victim support needs.
• Has the suspect tried to contact you again or made threats?Assesses ongoing risk.

Section 6: Victim's Actions and Mitigation

• Have you contacted your bank or credit card provider?Assesses protective steps.
• Have you contacted credit bureaus or changed passwords?Evaluates risk management.
• Have you filed other reports?Facilitates inter-agency collaboration.
• What support do you feel you need?Aligns with holistic victim care.

Section 7: Suspect Information (if known)

• Do you have any names, usernames, phone numbers, or email addresses?Provides investigative leads.
• Do you have any voice recordings, screenshots, or documents?Preserves digital evidence.

Section 8: Closing

• Is there anything else you feel we should know?Opens door for unprompted details.
• Are you willing to provide a written statement or evidence?Formalizes testimonial.
• Would you like to be referred to victim services?Ensures holistic care.

Fraud Suspect Interview Guide

Preparation

• Review all available evidence, including victim statements and communications.Prepares for focused, strategic questioning.
• Plan questioning strategy: Open-ended first, closed questions later.Encourages narrative and limits defensiveness.
• Ensure legal compliance and Miranda rights read.Protects admissibility and suspects’ rights.

Section 1: Identification & Background

• Can you state your full name, date of birth, and current address?Confirms identity.
• Do you have any prior involvement with financial fraud or cybercrime?Establishes background risk.
• Employment history?Identifies opportunities or patterns.
• Relationship to victim (if known)?Clarifies connection.

Section 2: Fraud Details

• Do you know the victim in this case?Direct link inquiry.
• Have you received money or sensitive information from anyone recently?Assesses involvement.
• Do you use online platforms to conduct financial transactions?Identifies modus operandi.
• Have you ever created fake accounts or personas online?Confession opportunity or detection.

Section 3: Timeline & Alibi

• Can you describe your activities during [date/time] of the alleged fraud?Validates timeline or identifies discrepancies.
• Do you have anyone who can confirm your whereabouts?Alibi verification.

Section 4: Closing

• Is there anything you want to clarify or add regarding the allegations?Final opportunity for narrative.
• Are you willing to provide documents or access to devices for investigation?Evidence preservation.