Unveiling the Terrain of Fraud: Exploring the Association Between Physical Topography and Consumer Fraud Victimization

Abstract

ABSTRACT The widespread accessibility of the internet has facilitated social connections across geographical boundaries, but it has also led to an increase in consumer fraud victimization. This study aims to elucidate the geographical variations in fraud victimization by examining the influence of physical topography. Employing a two-stage conceptual framework of consumer fraud victimization, we used a nationwide survey in mainland China (n = 36,066) to explore the impact of mountainousness indicators on fraud exposure and fraud victimization. Our findings indicate a negative correlation between mean elevation and standard deviation in elevation with fraud exposure, while displaying a positive correlation with fraud victimization. Utilizing machine learning analyses, we discovered that mountainousness indicators outperformed factors such as income, physical condition, sex, education, and employment in predicting fraud victimization. Notably, physical topography played a more prominent role in the recognition model of fraud victimization compared to fraud exposure. These findings shed light on the fact that individuals residing in mountainous areas are less prone to fraud exposure but are at a heightened risk of becoming victims once exposed. This study offers valuable insights for the development of effective anti-fraud strategies.