Youth pathways into and out of digital fraud

• In Event: Cybercrime Offenders & Victims (part 1)

Abstract

In recent years, youth have become increasingly involved in digital fraud, in Dutch slang also called "F-game”. However, little is known about the steps they take that lead them to involvement in such crimes, why they maintain their cybercriminal activities, and the steps they take to abstain from cybercrime. This is problematic because knowledge of these processes is valuable for the development of preventative strategies. Therefore, in this study, we aim to map out the pathways of youngsters into and out of digital fraud. We do this by interviewing 39 experts involved in investigating and disrupting (cyber)criminal youth networks, analyzing five criminal investigations, and analyzing police registrations of suspects involved in digital fraud. Results show that there are two types of offenders involved in digital fraud: ‘new’ cybercriminals, who start their career engaging in cybercrime, and ‘switchers’, who first engage in traditional crime, and later make the switch to cybercrime. Both types of offenders appear to be part of a subculture where status is important, which is achieved by having a luxurious lifestyle. Because potential cyber-fraudsters appear to have a relatively low socioeconomic status, they do not seem to have the legitimate means to make enough money to live this lifestyle, which seems to push them to engagement in crime. They learn of the existence of digital fraud through ads on social media, offline social ties, and online games. Next, their decision to engage in digital fraud (instead of other crimes) appears to be related to its low costs and high benefits. The necessary skills and knowledge are learned through cybercrime-as-a-service and social learning. Lastly, rational choice, together with the use of neutralization techniques, and maturing appear to play a part in their decision to maintain or desist. Implications and potential interventions will also be discussed.

Authors

• Joeri Loggen, The Hague University of Applied Sciences

• Asier Moneva, Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR)

• Rutger Leukfeldt, NSCR

• Arjan Blokland, NSCR