They allow the offenders to limit and manipulate information, concealing information about themselves while passing on whatever will deceive the victim. They also permit offenders to reach large numbers of victims quickly and at long distances. Not all of the technological advantages fall to the offenders, however. The use of telephones creates opportunities to attack the problem. Calls can be intercepted, traced back to offenders, and recorded for use as evidence, for example.
Offenders use their ability to manipulate what victims hear to maximum advantage.
The objective is to establish credibility and rapport while conveying the misinformation needed to persuade victims to part with funds, overcome objections or dissuade them from seeking information or advice elsewhere. Soon as they pick up the phone, and I get on the phone with them, my hand is on the way. . . . One hand goes up to the wall and starts painting pictures, the other hand is in their checkbook . . . and writing it out. Offenders often use false names, and victims can only identify them by voice, if at all, creating a serious obstacle for investigators and prosecutions. Telephones also create economies of scale by allowing a single caller to target a large number of victims in a short time and at long distances.