Mechanisms of affinity fraud victimization

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2024-05-08

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Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the relationship between religiosity, belief in a just world (BJW), trust and affinity fraud.

Design/methodology/approach: Using an online panel vendor, this study collected survey data from 1,030 participants. Participants are balanced based on US Census data.

Findings: This study finds evidence that religiosity and, to a lesser extent, trust were correlated with choosing an affinity investor but not BJW. Overall, this study adds to the literature on fraud by examining the potential processes of tricking a victim.

Originality/value: This study examines the complex decision-making around investing with fraudsters. This study disentangles the relationship between affinity fraud, decision-making, trust and religiosity. Furthermore, this consider the reasons why a shared affinity may increase trust through the lens of the decision-maker.

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Citation

Dearden, T., Jasperson, J.O. and Miller, R.M. (2025), "Mechanisms of affinity fraud victimization", Journal of Financial Crime, Vol. 32 No. 1, pp. 64-76. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFC-01-2024-0017