IIT-Madras study reveals 'engineered brain freeze' mechanism in cyber fraud tactics

Researchers at IIT-Madras have conducted a study examining how cybercriminals employ psychological manipulation techniques to trap victims. The research identifies a phenomenon termed 'engineered brain freeze'—a deliberate strategy used by fraudsters to overwhelm victims' cognitive processes and impair rational decision-making.

The study highlights how cyber fraud perpetrators exploit psychological vulnerabilities through time pressure, fake urgency, and information overload to disable victims' ability to think critically. This engineered mental state makes targets more susceptible to compliance with fraudulent demands.