Examining the Integrated Theory of Fraud Victimization in the Chinese Context: Insights from a Nationally Representative Survey
Manting Chen, Yiwei Xia · Deviant Behavior · 2025
This study evaluates the applicability of the integrated theory of victimization, which combines self-control and lifestyle theories, to the different stages of fraud victimization involving various contact methods. Using the 2015 China Household Finance Survey, logistic regression and seemingly unrelated estimation were employed to assess how low self-control and risky lifestyles influence fraud exposure and loss across different contact methods. Results show that low self-control increases both exposure and loss, while risky lifestyles raise exposure risk but not loss. These effects are significant in remote or mixed-method fraud but not in-person fraud. By examining fraud victimization across stages and methods, this study advances understanding of victimization patterns within the integrated theoretical framework.