This Article Was First Presented In June 1997 At An International Conference In Milan
Fraud using technology is not a new occurrence Over the centuries, it has been called by many names - cheating, false accounting, confidence tricks, forgery, impersonation - all are examples of fraud in the widest sense.
Fraud is merely the deliberate creation of a false impression in order to secure a benefit which would not otherwise be gained.
The essence of an effective fraud is the formation of an imaginary set of circumstances, a mirage, so that the victim is convinced of one set of facts when another is the truth.
Fraudsters often hide their identity but it is not necessary. Often a fraudster will make enough truth to make it difficult for him to be prosecuted. He will use ambiguity and innuendo rather than express lies, wherever possible.
