Navigating online perils: Socioeconomic status, online activity lifestyles, and online fraud targeting and victimization of old adults in China

Online fraud poses a growing threat to the well-being of old adults. This study examines the causes and correlates of online fraud targeting and victimization among old adults in China. Drawing insights from the digital inequality theory and lifestyle routine activity theory and utilizing a nationally representative survey of Chinese old adults (N = 4293), this study examines how socioeconomic status and online lifestyle patterns affect their susceptibility to online fraud. The results show that old adults of better socioeconomic status are more likely to be targeted by online frauds, though not necessarily experiencing financial loss. Latent class analysis identifies four online activity lifestyles among old adults: basic, entertainment, risky, and advanced users. Subsequent analysis demonstrates that these lifestyle types predict different risks of online fraud targeting and victimization. Basic users face a heightened risk of being targeted but not necessarily monetary loss. Risky users, while not exhibiting elevated targeting risks compared to basic users, are more susceptible to financial loss once targeted. Advanced users, in contrast to basic users, face elevated risks of being targeted and monetary loss. This study offers new insights into the risk factors for online fraud targeting and victimization among old adults in China, informing the development of effective online fraud prevention programs.