Addressing the Cyber Dark Figure of Crime: Examining Cybervictimization, Place, and Reporting Behaviors

• In Event: Research on the State of Cybercrime and Law Enforcement Capability in the United States

Abstract

As cybervictimization steadily increases across all types, there is a growing challenge presented by the lack of reporting of many incidents. This creates a modern dark figure of crime by which we are unable to estimate how often individuals are actually being affected by cybercrime and are unable to design public victim resources accordingly. This paper presents findings on the frequency of several forms of cybervictimization and subsequent (non)reporting from a survey of adult Michigan residents, allowing for more localized insights as to cybervictimization impact. The findings will inform recommendations as to how responses to cybervictimization at the individual level can be better tailored and promoted, as well as where these efforts should be geographically targeted.

Authors

• Rachel L. McNealey, Michigan State University

• Taylor Fisher, Michigan State University

• Thomas Holt, Michigan State University

• Karen Holt, Michigan State University

• Julie Krupa, Michigan State University