Exploring Offender Characteristics and Sentencing Variation Among Crowdfunding Schemes

• In Event: Offender Pathways: Sentencing, Adjustment, and Perceptions of Powerful Crime

Abstract

Due to the ease of access and use, rising online crimes expand the geographical reach of victims and enable the global rise of traditional crimes. Crowdfunding scams deceive victims into believing that the perpetrators are legitimate entities and/or will provide a return on their principal. Yet, official responses to such scams remain understudied. Using publicly available court verdicts from China convicted of crowdfunding-related statutes, our study examines how legal and extra-legal factors may influence sentencing outcomes. In discussion, findings suggest insights into sentencing practices for cyber-enabled fraud.

Authors

• Hei Chio, Saint Martin's University

• Li Huang, Seattle University