Shopping fraud victimization among the elderly
| Pages | 324-337 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JFC-03-2013-0014 |
| Date | 12 July 2013 |
| Published date | 12 July 2013 |
| Author | Michael D. Reisig,Kristy Holtfreter |
| Subject Matter | Accounting & finance |
Shopping fraud victimization
among the elderly
Michael D. Reisig and Kristy Holtfreter
School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Arizona State University,
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to investigate whether low self-control and routine activity theories
explain fraud outcomes among the elderly. Specifically, the effects of low self-control and remote
purchasing behaviors on shopping fraud targeting and victimization are empirically assessed.
Design/methodology/approach – Cross-sectional survey data from telephone interviews
conducted in Arizona and Florida are used. A total of 2,000 adults aged 60 and over were
surveyed. Because selection bias was observed, a two-stage probit regression model was estimated to
assess theoretical hypotheses in a multivariate context.
Findings – The results demonstrate that two forms of remote purchasing – telemarketing purchase
and mail-order purchase – increase the probability of shopping fraud targeting. Infomercial purchase
and mail-order purchase are significant correlates of shopping fraud victimization. The probability of
becoming a target and victim is affected positively by reduced levels of self-control. The effects of
demographic characteristics on fraud outcomes are null.
Research limitations/implications – This research lends support to the argument that low
self-control and routine activity theories shed light on fraud victimization among elderly consumers.
Future research should examine the influence of low self-control, individual routines and lifestyles on
other forms of victimization that the elderly experience.
Practical implications – The findings underscore the need for fraud prevention and increasing
public awareness among elderly consumers.
Originality/value – This is the first study to examine shoppingfraud targeting and victimization of
the elderly in a broad theoretical context.
Keywords Elderly victimization, Fraud, Self-control, Remote purchasing, Two-stage probit,
Elderly people,Fraud
Paper type Research paper
Consumer fraud victimization entails the:
[...] intentional deception or attempted deception of a victim with the promise of goods,
services, or other benefits that are nonexistent, unnecessary, were never intended to be
provided, or were grossly misrepresented (Titus, 2001, p. 57).
This form of financial crime has become increasingly common. Unlike offenses that
victimize individuals without direct contact (e.g. stolen credit information obtained
from third-party databases), consumer fraud is unique in that it involves some level of
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/1359-0790.htm
An earlier version of this article was presented at the 2012 annual meeting of the American
Society of Criminology held in Chicago. This research was supported in part by Award
No. 2010-IJ-CX-0008, awarded by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, US
Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in
this publication are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of
Justice.
Journal of Financial Crime
Vol. 20 No. 3, 2013
pp. 324-337
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
1359-0790
DOI 10.1108/JFC-03-2013-0014
JFC
20,3
324
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