Psychological suggestion methods in telephone scammers: Issues of legal qualification and victim protection

This article examines the phenomenon of telephone fraud as one of the most widespread and rapidly growing forms of criminal activity in the context of public digitalization. It is argued that this type of illegal activity not only poses a criminal legal problem but also a threat to social stability, the psychological safety of citizens, and the sustainability of organizational information systems. This article examines the key psychological techniques of suggestion and social pressure used actively by criminals to influence victims, namely imitating authoritative sources, manipulating fear or urgency, and substituting trust in official structures. The work reveals the complexities associated with the legal classification of these actions under Russian criminal law. Russian court practice from 2021 to 2024 is systematized and analyzed. This enabled to identify gaps in legislation and the heterogeneity of law enforcement practices. International judicial practice is also examined, including cases heard in the European Union and the USA, which emphasize compensation for damages to victims and the use of specialized mechanisms to protect against social engineering. A comparative analysis reveals trends and potential areas for improvement in Russian legislation. The study places particular emphasis on issues of protection of victims’ rights and compensation for damages, and examines practical measures to combat telephone fraud. It is concluded that an effective solution to the problem will only be possible through the integration of legal, psychological, and cybersecurity approaches.