Cultural and value-based foundations for countering fraud against elderly citizens in the context of expanding social service variability

the relevance of the study stems from the increasing scale of telephone fraud targeting elderly individuals, who account for a quarter of all victims of this type of crime. The article examines the role of value orientations and cultural-social mechanisms in countering and preventing telephone fraud among elderly citizens amid the diversification of social services. Research objective: to identify and analyze value orientations and cultural-social mechanisms that contribute to the effective prevention of telephone fraud among elderly citizens in the context of expanding social service options. The methodological framework employs an interdisciplinary approach integrating socio-psychological theories of values, victimology, and social work. The research methodology includes scientific-practical testing of theoretical propositions through analytical simulations involving social workers, legal professionals, representatives of public organizations, and artificial intelligence systems. The study concludes that the most significant values for elderly individuals are health, happy family life, and having loyal friends. It is substantiated that these very values form the basis for countering fraud against elderly citizens. The research establishes that a comprehensive approach combining digital literacy development, the cultivation of stable moral-ethical attitudes, and active engagement of social workers in awareness-raising activities proves most effective in protecting elderly citizens from fraud. Practical significance: the findings can be applied to improve social policies regarding elderly citizen protection and the development of preventive programs.

telephone fraud, elderly citizens, value orientations, social work