Narratives, Pathways, and Subjective Turning Points of Cyberfraudsters on Cyber Fraud Desistance: A Qualitative Analysis

• In Event: Understanding Crime and Desistance through Life Narratives and Life History Calendars

Abstract

Compared to young people, adults have a higher likelihood of being detained due to their involvement in conventional criminal activity. However, the rise of the Internet has led to an increase in young adults participating in cyber fraud. Despite this trend, there is a lack of research examining how young people's life experiences and transitions influence their engagement in cyber fraud. Existing studies on development and life course perspectives primarily focus on traditional crimes and macro-level trends, rather than specifically addressing cyberfraud and individuals' interpretations of their experiences. To address these gaps, this study aims to provide a qualitative analysis by recruiting 50 cyberfraudsters. By integrating the self-control and age-graded theory of informal social control, I aim to understand the lived experiences of cyberfraudsters from childhood to adulthood, including their subjective turning points. The findings suggest that ineffective parenting techniques contribute to the formation of low self-control in children, leading to the initiation and persistence of cyber fraud. However, certain life events such as marriage, job stability, and subjective turning points like arrests of peers can deter cyberfraudsters from continuing their activities. Nevertheless, those who view themselves as capable or successful in becoming "chairman" continue to engage in cyber fraud.

Author

• Aikins Amoako Asiama, Lingnan University