Date

9-19-2023

Department

Helms School of Government

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice (PhD)

Chair

Kim Miller

Keywords

Fraud, Advance, Fee, Cyberfraud, internet fraud, Romance Fraud, Online dating, dating, Romance, Types of fraud, Kinds of fraud, Rise in fraud, Support for fraud victims, Victims of fraud, Victims, Shield, Support, Advance Fee Fraud

Disciplines

Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Sociology

Abstract

This research study addresses the activities of Advance Fee Fraudsters whose activities sometimes impact the status and life of their victims. Research to date appears to have focused on crime, Advance Fee Fraud, and its techniques. The intent of this study is to take the reader through the various types of Advance Fee Fraud (AFF) with special attention to how the victims may get help, an aspect of AFF that has been greatly neglected by previous researchers who mainly focus on the techniques and modus operandi of the fraudsters. Until recently, the concept of AFF was limitedly known, but with the advancement in technology, the concept has become very popular and sophisticated in its techniques. Though a qualitative research model will guide my investigation, I will not be limited in scope by finding useful materials for the study. The reason is that, for a social ill that has so much ravaged the global financial institutions and the finances of governments, corporations, and individuals, no one system will be able to bring to bear what is sought in proffering solutions to the menace. This research will be guided by a theoretical framework consisting of the problem statement, the purpose, the significance, and the research questions. The goal is to determine which types of AFF are more popular and employed, and which of them victims easily fall prey to. This will enable the researcher to access ways of helping the vulnerable citizens, treat, and support those already exposed, prevent revictimization, find how to put in place the required preventive actions, and how justice can be secured for victims of fraud. The data for the study will be obtained through qualitative interviews, and the transcripts of the interview material will be analyzed for emerging themes. It is my hope that the study will be helpful in enabling this research to fill the gap that has been created by previous research, finding help and support for victims.

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