Abstract
The increasing prevalence of elder financial scams, particularly those perpetrated through online platforms, has become a significant concern for both the elderly population and society as a whole. This study examines the nature and scope of elder financial scams as reported in online newspapers, emphasising their financial consequences for victims. Using content analysis to explore the cases reported in online media from 2020 to 2024, this research aims to shed light on the patterns of fraud targeting older adults, the media's role in raising awareness, and the broader implications for social policy. Findings revealed 119 reports of financial scam cases across 36 online media outlets involving the elderly in Malaysia. Most financial scams involve phishing, followed by investment and love scams. Furthermore, financial repercussions for elderly victims are severe, sparking an urgent need for enhanced public awareness and regulatory frameworks to protect vulnerable individuals.
Keywords
- Elder Financial Scams Search this journal for Elder Financial Scams (opens in a new tab)
- Online Newspapers Search this journal for Online Newspapers (opens in a new tab)
- Media Reporting Search this journal for Media Reporting (opens in a new tab)
- Financial Fraud Search this journal for Financial Fraud (opens in a new tab)
- Elderly Victims Search this journal for Elderly Victims (opens in a new tab)
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Copyright (c) 2025 Nor Aishah Mohd Ali, Rozaiha Ab Majid, Siti Aisyah Basri, Norhanizah Johari, Mohd Waliuddin Mohd Razali, Bayu Tri Cahya (Author)
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Keywords
- Elder Financial Scams Search this journal for Elder Financial Scams (opens in a new tab)
- Online Newspapers Search this journal for Online Newspapers (opens in a new tab)
- Media Reporting Search this journal for Media Reporting (opens in a new tab)
- Financial Fraud Search this journal for Financial Fraud (opens in a new tab)
- Elderly Victims Search this journal for Elderly Victims (opens in a new tab)
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Vol. 17 No. 2(I)S (2025)
AI in Audit, Workplace Safety & Digital Consumer Society
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