Cyber fraud among the youth in Ghana the case of some students in a private university

Abstract

This study investigates cyber fraud among the youth in Ghana. The objectives of the study was to investigate the scope of cyber fraud, explore the factors that motivate the youth in engaging in cyber fraud and also examine their perspectives about how to curb cyber fraud. Using qualitative research approach and snowball sampling technique, the study purposively selected ten students from Wisconsin University and the Academic City University. The theories that underpin this study are the space transition theory and the theory of routine activity. Data were collected through unstructured interviews. The data were analyzed thematically. It was revealed that cyber fraud serves as a remedy for unemployment for those who engage in it. For some of the country's youth who were unemployed. The study indicated that, most university students who engage in Cyber fraud are introduced to it by either their relatives or colleagues. It was found that the desire for financial gain was the driving force behind their participation in cyber fraud. The study recommends that relevant security authorities such as the ministry of communications carry out intensive public education on how to identify Cyber fraud. The government also needs to intensify its attempts to create jobs for more of the youth that are unemployed to get themselves means of earning income.