Investigating Migrant Workers’ Information-Seeking Behaviors on Scams: The Impact of Scam Prevention Communication and Victimization Experiences

Abstract

Migrant workers face increasing risks from internet scams. This study, grounded in protection motivation theory, explored how scam prevention communication and victimization influence their information-seeking behaviors. Analyzing survey data from 521 migrant workers in China, findings showed that scam prevention communication increases perceived severity, encouraging information seeking, but has limited effects on other cognitive factors. Victimization reinforces victim-blaming beliefs and social stigma while lowering self-efficacy and discouraging proactive behaviors. Victimization also indirectly drives information seeking by increasing perceptions of information insufficiency. These findings emphasized the importance of anti-fraud campaigns that not only raise awareness but also address psychological barriers among vulnerable groups.

Keywords

migrant workers online fraud risk communication information seeking victim-blaming beliefs social stigma

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