In this episode, Anurag sits down with Whistine Chai to explore the human side of scams. Whistine brings more than 17 years of experience in clinical, forensic, and industrial-organizational psychology, along with extensive field work in Singapore focused on understanding victims and offenders. Her work blends behavioral science and practical investigation, giving her a unique lens on how scams actually unfold in real life.
The conversation begins with her path into forensic and behavioral psychology and the early lessons she learned while working on scam cases in Singapore. She shares how rotations and field work shaped her perspective and why being on the ground provides insights that lab research often misses.
They speak at length about the behavioral and psychological markers seen in scam victims. Some traits stay stable across time. Others appear only when someone is placed under stress, fatigue, or emotional pressure. Whistine breaks down these drivers in a simple and relatable way.
The episode also examines how behavioral insights can be translated into analytics, fraud controls, and early intervention strategies. This is an area both she and Anurag are deeply invested in. The discussion covers what can be operationalized today and what still belongs in the research domain.
Finally, Whistine talks about her book, the motivation behind it, and the process of bringing those ideas together for a wider audience.
It is a thoughtful conversation that brings psychology, fraud operations, and human insight into one place.
A great listen for anyone working in fraud prevention, investigations, cybersecurity, or behavioral science.
