It's a fraudster's world: consumer fraud across fifteen countries

Richard Hyde and John Asthana Gibson

Chapter 7 in Research Handbook on Fraud and Society, 2026, pp 114-127 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Fraud against individuals (consumer fraud) is a pervasive global issue, yet cross-country comparisons of fraud victimisation are scarce. This chapter presents findings from a 2021–2023 survey of fraud victims across 15 middle and high-income countries, aimed at addressing this data gap. The survey reveals critical insights into the prevalence, types, and impacts of fraud. Key findings include variation in victimisation rates, repeat fraud occurrences, financial losses, and broader consequences of fraud on victims’ lives. Additionally, the creation of the Fraud Threat Prevalence Index (FTPI) offers a comparative framework to assess fraud threats across nations. This research also highlights the globalisation of fraud, driven by sophisticated, cross-border criminal networks exploiting digital technologies. The chapter concludes with policy recommendations for improving national and international responses to the growing fraud threat.

Keywords: Fraud victimisation; Cross-country comparison; Fraud Threat Prevalence Index; Repeat victimisation; Financial loss; Globalisation of fraud (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035348800
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