Exploring the Factors Preventing Older Adults From Reporting Cybercrime and Seeking Help: A Qualitative, Semistructured Interview Study

Abstract

Background: Older adults under-report cybercrime, despite being more likely than younger people to experience repeat victimisation, financial loss and more severe emotional consequences. Considering vulnerabilities more common in old age, we sought to identify, and consider ways to address, barriers that older people experience when reporting cybercrime to statutory agencies with a role in reporting.

Methods: From community groups, police and victim support, and health and social care organisations, we purposively invited people aged 60+ who had experienced cybercrime (n = 16), their supporting family members (n = 2) and professional stakeholders (n = 15) to participate in semistructured in-person or virtual interviews and conducted a reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Across 33 interviews, we identified four themes: (1) Shame and fear of repercussion; (2) Reporting unhelpful to emotional and financial recovery; (3) Lack of knowledge of scams and sources of support; and (4) Social support makes a difference.

Conclusions: Digital ageism, evidenced by structural barriers, stigma and disempowerment experienced by older adults deciding whether to report cybercrime, warrants attention from the FJN and authorities. Independent “advocates” such as health, social care and third sector professionals can support older victims of cybercrime to navigate such reporting challenges.