The Effects of Risky Behaviors and Social Factors on the Frequency of Fraud Victimization Among Known Victims.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Routine activity theory (RAT) asserts that a suitable target's exposure to a motivated offender in the absence of capable guardians increases their likelihood of crime victimization. We use these principles to assess the extent to which engaging in risky routine activities-for example, entering sweepstakes drawings, answering unknown calls-is associated with victimization frequency among older adult mass marketing fraud victims across five types of scams: investment fraud, sweepstakes and lottery fraud, romance and family/friend imposter scams, fake products and services, and charity scams. We also examine whether financial and social vulnerability characteristics (loneliness, preference for taking financial risks, financial fragility) are associated with

SUBMITTER: DeLiema M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11809244 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature