COVID‐19 frauds: An exploratory study of victimization during a global crisis

Abstract

Research Summary

The COVID‐19 pandemic threated public health and safety and led to a number of virus‐related fraud schemes. We surveyed over 2,200 American adults to investigate their experiences with COVID‐19‐related frauds. Our goals were to better understand fraud targeting and victimization, as well as the impacts of fraud on victims. Over a quarter of our sample reported purchasing either a COVID‐19‐related product or a service, yet 42.5% reported feeling targeted for fraud. Being a target of COVID‐19 frauds is significantly linked to one's routine activities, however it is one's level of self‐control that more strongly predicts victimization. COVID‐19 anxieties mediate the impact of self‐control on purchasing.

Policy Implications

Legal interventions and increased regulations surrounding advertising are a potential mechanism for protecting consumers, yet “soft” interventions that interrupt routine activities might be more useful and applicable. The use of white‐lists and publicly available websites that allow e‐commerce sites and sellers to be verified would help enable higher levels of self‐guardianship. It is also important to provide continuous and clear messaging about what is being done to protect consumers.