Abstract
(1) Background: This paper combines lifestyle-routine activities (L-RAT) and self-control (SCT) theories along with the literature on smartphone addiction in a joint model that addresses the multiple vulnerabilities that make the smartphone user a potential victim of cybercrime. This model, which we call the dual vulnerability model of cybercrime victimization, was subjected to empirical testing on a nationally representative sample of smartphone users. (2) Methods: Data from 2837 participants from a nationally representative sample of Spanish smartphone users were modeled using Mplus causal modeling software. (3) Results: The results of the study confirm the predictions of L-RAT and SCT in explaining cybercrime victimization (higher cybercrime victimization under conditions of high exposure, proximity, and suitability, relative absence of capable guardian, and low self-control). A significant effect of smartphone addiction on cybercrime victimization was also observed above and beyond L-RAT and SCT predictors. (4) Conclusions: The potential victim of cybercrime presents a double vulnerability, on the one hand, those identified by criminological theories such as L-RAT and SCT, and on the other hand, those derived from the deregulated-addicted use of the Internet access device (smartphone in our work).
Highlights
One of the most fertile theoretical approaches to cybercrime victimization in recent years has been the lifestyle-routine activities theory (L-RAT). This theory comes from the combination of two theories with a strong situational emphasis: the routine activities theory (RAT) and the lifestyle-exposure theory (LET)
All dimensions of L-RAT were directly and significantly related to cyber fraud
In this study with 2837 smartphone users from a national representative sample, we incorporated smartphone addiction into the explanation of cybercrime victimization together with the main elements already highlighted by L-RAT and SCT
Summary
One of the most fertile theoretical approaches to cybercrime victimization in recent years has been the lifestyle-routine activities theory (L-RAT). While some authors focus on how opportunity for crime is structured by large-scale shifts in routine daily activity [2], LET theorists explain the differential risk of victimization as a function of the variation in lifestyles that can potentially expose people to offenders [3,4]. Those most at risk of crime victimization are more likely to have lifestyles that consist of spending more time in public (especially at night), more time away from family, and
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