Guarding Against Deception: Exploring Oversea Job Scams with Offense and Defense Game Theory

Lim, Shi Hui (2024) Guarding Against Deception: Exploring Oversea Job Scams with Offense and Defense Game Theory. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

This study employs offense and defense game theory to analyze the dynamics of overseas job scams in Malaysia. It emphasizes the critical role that awareness and education play in combating such deceptive schemes. The interactions between scammers, referred to as Team Offense, and potential victims, known as Team Defense, are modeled by using the offense and defense game. A payoff table with payoff value constraints is specially developed to fit oversea job scam context. We conduct simulations over extended periods using the payoff table value and theoretical analysis to explore how societal behavior towards scam defense mechanisms evolves. The results show a community shift towards defensive behaviors. This shift is driven by an increase in informational campaigns and public awareness about oversea job scam cases. Initially, the study reveals that potential victims are vulnerable due to a lack of awareness. However, as educational efforts intensify, there is a notable shift. This shift moves towards increased vigilance and the adoption of protective measures. Consequently, there is a decrease in the prevalence and success of scams. This research underscores the necessity of ongoing education and awareness efforts. These efforts are crucial strategies for mitigating the impact of overseas job scams. This study offers a hopeful perspective. It suggests that community-based actions have the potential to significantly reduce the threat posed by oversea job scamming cases. Keywords: Offense and Defense Game, Evolutionary Game, Oversea job scam, Replicator Dynamics, Simulation, Defensive behaviors, Offensive actions