Understanding Online Financial Disinformation and Fraud

This literature review examines the relationship between online financial disinformation and fraud, focusing on its impact across various demographic groups in the UK. The review aims to inform the Online Information Advisory Committee by addressing how different age groups access financial information online, the types of content that may increase exposure to financial harm, the formats through which scams are disseminated, and the key actors involved in these fraudulent activities. The methodology employed includes a structured search strategy utilizing Boolean queries to gather relevant literature published from 2020 onwards, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of recent trends in online financial harm. The review highlights that fraud remains a significant threat, with a notable increase in incidents reported in recent years, particularly in online contexts. It also discusses the challenges of reporting fraud and the international dimensions of these crimes, emphasizing the need for awareness and preventive measures against financial disinformation.