Cognitive and Behavioral Guardianship as Predictors of Online Emergency Fraud Victimization

• In Event: Risks for Victimization in the Cyber World

Abstract

Extant cybercrime literature has found empirical support to suggest the utility of applying Cohen and Felson’s (1979) Routine Activity Theory to explain a range of different online victimization behaviors, including various forms of online fraud. Despite its general findings in support of increasing online capable guardianship measures to lower risk of victimization (e.g., cybersecurity training, reducing online activity), studies have not examined capable guardianship using more comprehensive measures. As a result, current understandings of this theoretical concept are limited in scope and application. Given this gap in the literature, the current study used a large sample of U.S. adults (N = 1,331) to determine whether cognitive guardianship (e.g., online fraud, cybersecurity knowledge) and behavioral guardianship (e.g., cyber-hygiene, use of complex passwords) significantly predicted online emergency fraud victimization, net of other relevant factors. Several analysis models were estimated to determine the (1) independent, (2) concurrent, and (3) interactions effects of these guardianship measures on online emergency fraud victimization. Findings revealed significant concurrent and interaction effects between the two guardianship measures, suggesting the importance of enhancing both cognitive and behavioral aspects to mitigate emergency fraud victimization. The research and policy implications of this study are discussed in detail.

Authors

• Selimul Quader, George Mason University

• Jin Lee, George Mason University

• Claire Seungeun Lee, University of Massachusetts Lowell