The Psychology of Cybercrime
June 18 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join us for an important conversation with FightCyberCrime.org executive director Ally Armeson and director of clinical programs and trauma recovery Dr. Jen Lawrence, as well as Bob Blancato with the Elder Justice Coalition to talk about cybercrime.
This presentation combines data-driven and clinical perspectives on the impact of online fraud on older adults and the requirements for meaningful recovery. While the session addresses online crime broadly, it will also address the most devastating cases, including romance fraud and crypto investment fraud, where the psychological and financial harm can be life-altering.
The presentation will cover the psychology scammers use to manipulate victims, why breaking free from a complicated relationship fraud is far harder than it looks, and what the emotional and financial aftermath actually feels like from the inside. Drawing on five years of survivor data and program outcomes, presenters will share what structured recovery looks like and why it is the missing layer of consumer protection.
The session will also address current gaps in federal law that leave fraud victims without adequate rights or support. Current legislative efforts will be highlighted alongside concrete steps that elder justice advocates and professionals can take to move the needle. The session is designed to be practical and actionable, giving the audience concrete language, referral pathways, and policy talking points they can use immediately in their work with older adults.
Speakers
Ally Armeson
Executive Director, FightCybercrime.org
Ally Armeson is the Executive Director of FightCybercrime.org, where she works directly with high-loss victims of online fraud to help rebuild their emotional, financial, and digital lives after devastating crimes. She and her team witness the real-world impact of online crime every day. They use survivors’ lived experiences to shape and develop practical recovery tools, prevention education, and insights that help banks, platforms, and policymakers better protect all individuals. Ally and FightCybercrime.org are committed to fighting for cybercrime victims who have been blamed, forgotten, and too often denied the help they deserve.
Jen Lawrence, PhD
Director of Clinical Programs & Trauma Recovery, FightCybercrime.org
Dr. Jennifer Lawrence, DSW, LICSW, received a bachelor’s degree from Wagner College, a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Springfield College, and a Doctorate of Social Work degree from the University of Kentucky. She is a licensed clinical social worker in both Massachusetts and Texas. At FightCybercrime.org, Jen serves as the Director of Clinical Programs & Trauma Recovery for the Romance Scam Recovery Group.
Jen has experience working in a variety of settings including health care, hospitals, institutes of higher education, community-based mental health agencies, state and government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. She is an experienced clinician trained in multiple treatment modalities including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Additionally, Jen is a trainer for suicide prevention and intervention workshops including Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). Having presented on mental health and wellness, the neurobiology of trauma, resilience and burnout prevention, and cybercrimes and romance scams, Jen is passionate about providing low-barrier engagement around mental health and wellbeing topics.
