Examining Cyber Fraud Victimization Among Chinese Adolescents: An Integrated Test of Criminological Theories
Abstract
Cyber fraud victimization among adolescents remains mechanistically underexplored despite growing global concern. Using self-reported data from 929 Chinese high school students, this study employs structural equation modeling informed by the general theory of crime, lifestyle–routine activity theory, and online risk-taking. Treating victimization as sequential—fraud targeting followed by financial loss—findings reveal that a deviant online lifestyle is the strongest predictor across both stages. After accounting for online risk-taking, the direct effects of low self-control on cyber fraud victimization become non-significant. Paradoxically, non-deviant online routines increase targeting exposure while reducing financial loss likelihood. These findings highlight the importance of risk-oriented mechanisms in explaining adolescent cyber fraud victimization.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Cybercrime and Law Enforcement Studies
Crime Patterns and Interventions
Spam and Phishing Detection
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Crime & Delinquency
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Volume
- 72
- Issue
- 11
- Pages
- 3373–3408
- Publication date
- 28 April 2026
- Language
- EN