Fraud, ageism and fear: Understanding the unique risks faced by senior citizens online
Ageism is not only a deeply ingrained societal bias; it is a powerful tool used by cybercriminals to target and financially exploit vulnerable senior citizens, say researchers from the University of Surrey

In 2022 alone, losses due to internet crimes targeted at older people soared to an estimated $4.7 billion in the US. The study, published in the Security Journal, investigated how senior citizens are increasingly falling prey to online fraud.
The research team defines ageism in the context of cybercrime as the intentional targeting of older adults as potential victims, driven by the belief that they are wealthy and easy to deceive. This perception, according to the research team, not only reflects a societal bias but also poses a grave threat to the safety and wellbeing of seniors who are navigating an increasingly digital world.
The research team used a framework to examine the relationship between ageism, cybercrime, and the socioeconomic vulnerabilities of older adults. They analysed various factors that make older people more susceptible to online fraud, including cognitive decline, social isolation, and a heightened level of trust in others.
One of the most striking findings is that the elderly are not just victims of cybercrime due to their financial status but also because of deeply rooted stereotypes that portray them as frail and gullible. These misconceptions perpetuate a dangerous narrative, making it easier for fraudsters to manipulate their victims through schemes that exploit their vulnerabilities.
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Note to editors:
- Dr Suleman Lazarus and Dr Michael Mcguire are available for interview, please contact mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk to arrange.
- The full paper is available in the Security Journal
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