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.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Strategic Communication, School of
Communication and Media Studies, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for award of the degree of
Master of Arts
(Strategic Communication)
In the University of Education, Winneba
