Financial Fragility and Fear of Fraud: Findings from the Crime Survey of England and Wales

Fear of crime is more widespread than crime itself and carries significant consequences. While research has identified the concept of financial fragility—lacking liquid assets to handle an unanticipated expense—as a factor associated with fraud victimization risk, it remains less clear whether this phenomenon influences fear of fraud, and how varying degrees of financial fragility may be related to fear of fraud. Using data from the 2023-2024 Crime Survey of England and Wales (n = 5,486), the study examines the association between fear of fraud and financial fragility while controlling for other known correlates of fear. Findings suggest that financial fragility was associated with fear and that the association between financial fragility and fear of fraud was moderated by employment status. Findings highlight the importance of expanding contemporary frameworks of fear to acknowledge financial vulnerability, particularly as it relates to fraud. Findings also indicate that financial fragility and employment may be indicators of perceived financial vulnerability that may play a role in shaping other outcomes associated with fear.