From Clicks to Caution: Informal Learning Experiences of Undergraduates in Obafemi Awolowo University Concerning Internet Fraud

This research identified the types of internet fraud among undergraduate students at Obafemi Awolowo University; it examined the perceived reasons why undergraduate students at Obafemi Awolowo University participate in internet fraud; determined the informal learning experiences and coping strategies of undergraduate students at Obafemi Awolowo University concerning internet fraud.A case study research design was adopted for this study and twenty undergraduate students were selected from Obafemi Awolowo University using convenient sampling technique. An in-depth interview guide was used to collect data. Data were analysed using interpretive content analysis. The results showed that catfishing and Ponzi schemes among others schemes were the most common types of internet fraud amongst undergraduate students in Obafemi Awolowo University. Unsuspecting undergraduate students were scammed primarily through social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook. Additionally, some experienced scams related to fake investment platforms and fake online vendors. As a coping strategy, undergraduates have learned to verify the legitimacy of online offers and investments, avoiding impulsive decisions driven by peer pressure or enticing promises. Participants not only learned from personal experiences but also from observing the experiences of peers and family members. This study therefore emphasized the importance of safeguarding personal information, avoiding sharing sensitive details online, among others which were largely responsible for falling victims of fraudulent activities.

Cyber Fraud, Online Scams, Social Media Platforms, Personal Experiences, Fraudulent Schemes

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