Do we need to know about cyberscams in neurorehabilitation? A cross-sectional scoping survey of Australasian clinicians and service providers

Cybercrime affecting people with acquired brain injury (ABI) is examined through the lens of neurorehabilitation in this cross-sectional scoping survey. The study aims to determine whether clinicians working with adults who have ABI encounter cyberscams, identify contributing risk factors and impacts, and evaluate views on prevention and treatment approaches. Conducted across Australia and New Zealand, the online survey gathered responses from 101 clinicians and service providers working in multidisciplinary contexts, with ethics approval and digital consent obtained. Findings indicate that just over half of the respondents reported one or more clients affected by cyberscams, with romance scams being most common. Participants noted that cognitive impairments and loneliness were associated with increased vulnerability to such scams. Cyberscams also influenced how treatment was delivered and posed emotional challenges for clinicians themselves. Across the surveyed group, no intervention emerged as highly effective in addressing the combined financial and psychological harms of cyberscam victimization. The researchers conclude that cyberscams constitute a clinical issue pertinent to neurorehabilitation providers, and call for prevalence studies to gauge scope and impact. They emphasize the current gap in effective interventions and underscore the need to develop evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies to help people with ABI participate in online life more safely. This study highlights an area in need of systematic investigation and practical guidance for clinicians supporting individuals at risk of cyberscams.