A - 144 Catfishing, Financial Fraud and Neuropsychological Mitigation

Objective Literature implicates cognitively impaired older adults as vulnerable to financial fraud victimization. This case illustrates neuropsychological factors predisposing a younger adult to victimization in a romance scam and later involvement in a financial fraud scam. Method A 51-year-old female charged with theft, money laundering, and fraudulent schemes was referred by defense counsel due to apparent memory difficulties. She had been victimized via romance scam and then engaged in a financial fraud scam involving older adults. She had a history of anxiety and multiple previous dysfunctional/abusive romantic relationships. Neuropsychological history included benzodiazepine and alcohol abuse over the past 10–20 years with recent declines in memory, attention, processing speed, and decision-making. Recent head CT showed mild microvascular changes and sulci/ventricle enlargement. Results Performance validity testing was entirely within normal limits. Cognitive testing revealed mild to moderate decrements in verbal memory, novel problem-solving, and mental flexibility. Her profile was consistent with long-term alcohol abuse and benzodiazepine dependence. Symptom validity testing indicated significant minimization and positive impression management. Psychological testing revealed maladaptive personality traits with dependent and borderline features. Conclusion Psychological, neurocognitive, and interpersonal factors predisposed her to victimization in a romance scam, making her an “easy mark.” Despite having no financial incentive, she later became a “middle-man” in an international financial fraud scheme via her online romantic partner (i.e., handler). She was easily convinced and placated when she raised concerns about her involvement due to her neurocognitive deficits and dependent tendencies. Neuropsychological mitigation was presented, and the defendant was referred to a mental health diversion court and substance abuse treatment program.