Perceived impact by victims of electronic scams in Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Abstract

Objective: Understanding the economic and emotional impact on victims of online scams.

Introduction: Cybercrimes and electronic scams are a common criminal activity in contemporary society due to the widespread daily use of digital platforms or social media for personal activities or business. This study analyzed the perceived impact on individuals who were victims of cybercrimes in the city of Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Methodology: Quantitative approach, with a descriptive correlational design which used a survey as instrument to collect data, it was administered to individuals who filed complaints during the last quarter of 2024 in the Cybercrime Investigative Unit of Honduras National Police. This 12 items instrument measured three dimensions: emotional impact, trust in on line transactions and finally financial impact on cybercrime victims, a convenience non probability sample of 188 participants was used.

Results: 40% of victims experienced a strong feeling of anger and frustration, demonstrating an intense emotional response on being deceived. Likewise, 53% of participants lost trust in digital platforms for buying products or paying for services, while 45 % of participants reported that they suffered economic loss along with a feeling of helplessness at the possibility that the perpetrators might go unpunished.

Conclusion: Cybercrime victims in Tegucigalpa where young adults, without distinction between sexes, that suffered deep emotional distress and substantial financial losses, furthermore a notable decrease on victims’ trust in making online purchasing and acquiring products was observed.