Fraud Polyvictimization Among Older Adults: Living Alone, Loneliness, and Distinct Victimization Pathways

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Fraud victimization among older adults is often repetitive and multifaceted, yet limited research has examined the roles of loneliness and fraud polyvictimization in shaping vulnerability. Using data from the Mass Marketing Elder Fraud Intervention (MMEFI) study ( N = 268), this study examined patterns of fraud victimization among adults previously exposed to mass-marketing fraud solicitations. Analyses assessed fraud prevalence and co-occurrence, demographic and psychosocial correlates of victimization, and whether loneliness mediated the relationship between living alone and fraud outcomes. Results indicated substantial fraud polyvictimization, with commerce-oriented frauds clustering separately from relationship-based frauds. Older age was associated with commerce fraud victimization, while loneliness was associated with all fraud outcomes examined. Respondents reporting multiple commerce fraud experiences were more likely to report relationship-based fraud victimization. Mediation analyses showed that loneliness accounted for a significant portion of the association between living alone and several fraud outcomes. These findings contribute to understanding the roles of social and psychosocial factors in older adults’ fraud victimization experiences and provide evidence that different forms of fraud may occur in interconnected patterns.