Gullibility, loneliness, exploitation or just bad luck? Exploring older adults’ perceptions of fraud risks, protections and victimhood

Abstract

Abstract Exploring older adult victimisation of cybercrimes, perceptions of risk and protections using semi-structured interviews and a mixed interactional analytic approach, this paper assesses the implications of isolation, technical knowledge and trusted sources of protection advice. It explores perceptions of personal responsibility, fraud risk, fraud protections, the interconnected and dichotomous narratives of blame and empathy relating to victimhood, and how judgement rests on whether victimhood is perceived as acceptable (just bad luck) or not (gullibility). It highlights the importance social isolation and cognitive decline has in relation to older adults’ fraud victimhood, underscored by participants’ perceptions that youth, education and intelligence are key to resilience against threats.