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Victimization Analysis Based on Routine Activitiy Theory for Cyber-Love Scam in
Malaysia

Mohd Ezri Saad & Siti Norul Huda Sheikh Abdullah

Abstract

Nowadays, cyber-love scam cases in Malaysia are increasing along with cutting-edge
technological advances. Therefore, this research employs quantitative research
methodology to explore the factors that influence the susceptibility to cyber-love scam
victimization in Malaysia among individuals who have been victims of cyber-love scams
and lodged the police reports in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. Based on Routine
Activity Theory (RAT), this study investigates the relationship between demographic
variables such as age, education level, marital status, monthly income and independent
variables such as level of computer skills and the level of cyber-fraud awareness. This
study found that those between the ages of 25 and 45 years were likely to be the
victims of cyber-love scams in Malaysia. The majority of the victims are educated and
having a Diploma. In addition, this research shows that married people are more likely
to be the victims of cyber-love scams. Study shows that non-income individuals are also
vulnerable to being the victims because the study shows that 17 percent of respondents
who are the victims are from this group. As expected, those who work and have monthly
income between RM2001 and above are more likely to be targeted and become a
victims of cyber-love scams. The study also shows that those who lack computer skills
and less levels of cyber-fraud awareness are more likely to be victims of cyber-love
scams. The findings of this study are useful for policy makers and enforcement
agencies to protect the Internet users in Malaysia.

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