Digital Deception: Online Fraud Targeting the Elderly – Patterns, Mechanisms, and Policy Responses

Older adults are increasingly targeted by sophisticated online scams, exploiting cognitive vulnerabilities, digital illiteracy, and social isolation. This paper offers a comprehensive overview of the phenomenon of online fraud against the elderly, drawing on interdisciplinary research from computer science, psychology, and cyber policy. We identify common scam typologies—such as phishing, romance fraud, and tech support scams—and analyze the underlying mechanisms that make older users particularly susceptible. Drawing on empirical studies and real-world case reports, the paper also explores detection and prevention strategies, with emphasis on algorithmic fraud detection, interface design for cognitive accessibility, and the role of digital literacy education. We argue for a proactive cybersecurity framework that integrates machine learning tools, user-centered design, and targeted public policy to reduce the incidence and impact of cyber fraud on older populations.