Deception and Distraction: How Communication Medium and Multitasking of Older Victims Shape the Cyber Fraud Outcomes

Abstract This study examines how the victims' engagement in other tasks during fraudulent communication and the medium of communication influence the type of fraud they experience. The data used for this research paper is based on 98 older victims of cyber fraud. The study's findings demonstrate a strong association between the multitasking of older victims and the type of fraud, as well as the communication medium and type of fraud they experienced. This research contribution lies in reframing cyber fraud risk not only as a matter of personal digital literacy, but as a situational and communicative vulnerability. This perspective can help both national and international efforts to design targeted, effective strategies for safeguarding older adults in the digital age.