Dataset Information

The role of social-psychological factors of victimity on victimization of online fraud in China.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The high incidence of online fraud in China poses a great threat to the social stability and property security of society. Victimity is the state or mindset of victims, referring to the various conditions related to being victims of crimes. Examining the association between the inherent and extrinsic factors of victimity and victimization of online fraud is of great importance for revealing the psychological mechanism of victimization and drawing up preventative measures.

Methods

Through the questionnaire survey of 504 online fraud victims and 523 non-victims, univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the risk factors correlated with victimization.

Results

Age, education, and social support are positively correlated with fraud victimization, while impulsiveness, trust tendency, smartphone usage, and negative life experiences are negatively correlated with fraud victimization. Subsequent regression analyses showed that all the factors above, except for smartphone usage, are significant predictors for online fraud victimization.

Discussion

Our conceptual model and empirical results demonstrate the important role of victimity in making an individual become a victim and help clarify the mixed findings of previous studies on the risk factors for online fraud.

SUBMITTER: Zhang Z

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9822720 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

The role of social-psychological factors of victimity on victimization of online fraud in China.

Zhang Zhi Z Ye Zhi Z

Frontiers in psychology 20221223

<h4>Introduction</h4>The high incidence of online fraud in China poses a great threat to the social stability and property security of society. Victimity is the state or mindset of victims, referring to the various conditions related to being victims of crimes. Examining the association between the inherent and extrinsic factors of victimity and victimization of online fraud is of great importance for revealing the psychological mechanism of victimization and drawing up preventative measures.<h4 ...[more]

PMID: 36619124

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Project description:BackgroundOnline malicious attempts such as scamming continue to proliferate across the globe, aided by the ubiquitous nature of technology that makes it increasingly easy to dupe individuals. This study aimed to identify the predictors for online fraud victimization focusing on Personal, Environment and Behavior (PEB).MethodsSocial Cognitive Theory (SCT) was used as a guide in developing the PEB framework. Specifically, three factors were identified-Self-awareness (Personal), Attitude (Personal and Environment) and Safe Practice (Behavior) as the potential predictors for online fraud victimization. A self-reporting questionnaire was developed based on the PEB framework and used to collect data targeting Malaysian adults. The study reports result from two separate datasets collected across two separate timelines. Study I involved data collection in January 2023 (n = 820) whereas Study II was conducted with a modified questionnaire from November 2023 -January 2024 (n = 629). Study I identified the online fraud victimization predictors through an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and a hierarchical binary logistic regression. The dataset from Study II was used to validate the online fraud victimization model derived from Study I by executing another round of hierarchical binary logistic regression.ResultsResults from both the samples show that most of the respondents are aware of digital privacy. EFA from Study I yielded a five-factor solution with a total variance of 60.6%, namely, Self-awareness, Safe Practice, Bank Trust, Overconfidence and Social Influence. Hierarchical binary logistic regression results from both the studies were found to be consistent. Specifically, Overconfidence (β = 0.374; OR = 1.453; 95% CI [1.119, 1.887]; p = 0.005) and Social Influence (β = 0.332; OR = 1.225; 95% CI [1.077, 1.512]; p = 0.006) were found to significantly predict online fraud victimization as well as gender (β = 0.364; OR = 1.440; 95% CI [1.008, 2.016]; p = 0.045) with females exhibiting higher risks to victimization.ImplicationsThe emergence of Overconfidence and Social Influence as significant predictors can guide the development of targeted online fraud awareness campaigns and/or tools emphasizing critical thinking and skepticism. Policymakers can leverage this knowledge to implement regulations that reduce deceptive practices online, promote digital literacy programs, and mandate clearer consumer protections to mitigate the impact of social manipulation and overconfidence on fraud victimization.ConclusionThis study identifies online fraud victimization predictors, hence improving our understanding of the factors behind this phenomenon-allowing for the development of effective preventive measures and policies to safeguard individuals and improve digital security. For instance, gender- specific educational campaigns can be developed to enhance awareness and equip women with strategies to detect and avoid scams. Additionally, addressing systemic factors like social norms and digital literacy gaps is crucial for creating equitable and effective solutions to reduce online fraud victimization.

Project description:Background and objectivesRoutine 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 victimization frequency in older adults.Research design and methodsA survey was administered to households that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service identified as having recently responded to one or more mail scam solicitations. Respondents answered questions on their behaviors, financial risk preferences, social and demographic characteristics, and number of past-year victimization experiences with 5 types of fraud.ResultsAs predicted based on RAT, routine activities that increase a target's exposure to motivated offenders are positively associated with fraud victimization frequency, although more frequent online activity was negatively associated with victimization frequency contrary to hypotheses. Precarious financial and emotional states such as financial fragility and loneliness also were associated with greater victimization frequency, and more frequent social engagement and living with others (the presence of capable guardians) had no effect.Discussion and implicationsTarget suitability factors such as loneliness, financial fragility, and risky financial preferences and behaviors are associated with a higher frequency of fraud victimization among older adults. Consumer education should include information on reducing risky behaviors that can increase fraud exposure. More frequent social engagement may not be protective. Older adults who are financially fragile and experiencing loneliness require more safeguards.

Dataset Information

The role of social-psychological factors of victimity on victimization of online fraud in China.

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Publications

The role of social-psychological factors of victimity on victimization of online fraud in China.

Similar Datasets

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