F-Secure maps digital fraud through the eyes of the victim

The resource, developed by F-Secure’s Threat Intelligence team, departs from traditional technical reporting by focusing exclusively on the victim’s experience. Instead of detailing back-end code, the entries break down exactly what a target sees, the specific instructions they receive, and the precise moment the deception occurs. By mapping these behavioral patterns, the company aims to help users identify familiar traps even when scammers pivot to new platforms or AI-driven tools.

Megan Squire, Principal Threat Intelligence Researcher at F-Secure, noted that bad actors rarely invent entirely new methods. Rather, they adapt established tactics to current trends in dating apps, social media, and messaging services. The encyclopedia is built as a living document, with researchers continuously updating the entries to track the evolution of these threats. The guide is currently accessible through the company's Illuminate Research Hub, serving as part of a broader effort to study the intersection of human trust and digital deception.