To read this content please select one of the options below:

Theorising the impact of COVID-19 on the fraud victimisation of older persons

Cassandra Cross (Cybersecurity Cooperative Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia and the School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia)

The Journal of Adult Protection

ISSN: 1466-8203

Article publication date: 31 December 2020

Issue publication date: 24 May 2021

2498

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how COVID-19 may alter the vulnerability levels of older persons, and how this may change their potential for fraud victimisation. This is particularly focused on the government’s use of isolation, restrictions on activity and physical distancing to combat the virus.

Design/methodology/approach

In the absence of statistics, this paper examines what is currently known about older persons and fraud, as well as the recent knowledge of COVID-19-related fraud. On this basis, the paper hypothesises the conceivable changes to vulnerability that potentially expose older persons to fraud.

Findings

This paper argues that COVID-19 has not seen “new” fraudulent approaches, rather offenders have used COVID-19 as a context to their existing schemes. Further, the current response to COVID-19 can substantially increase the number of older persons experiencing levels of vulnerability, and therefore increase their fraud risk.

Research limitations/implications

The current paper applies existing knowledge into the current circumstances of COVID-19 and lays the foundations for empirical work to be conducted in this area.

Practical implications

This paper provides an impetus to target the well-being and connectivity of older persons, (regardless of the COVID-19 context), to reduce their vulnerability to fraud victimisation.

Social implications

This paper highlights the importance of connectivity for older persons, and the need to focus on overcoming social isolation and loneliness.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to hypothesise the effects of COVID-19 and its associated government responses to the overall vulnerability of older persons, with a focus on the potential for fraud victimisation.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This work has been supported by the Cyber Security Research Centre Limited whose activities are partially funded by the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres Programme. The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone, and do not necessarily represent those of the Australian Government. All errors and omissions are the sole responsibility of the author.

Citation

Cross, C. (2021), "Theorising the impact of COVID-19 on the fraud victimisation of older persons", The Journal of Adult Protection, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 98-109. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-08-2020-0035

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

Related articles