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Non-consensual porn distribution is the dissemination of sexually explicit images and/or photos without the consent of the individual featured in them. The literature suggests that non-consensual porn distribution is frequent with victims who experience similar negative effects to that of intimate partner violence (IPV) victims. It was estimated in 2014 that at least 3,000 pornographic websites contained a ‘revenge’ porn category of images. Victims who did not consent to the dissemination of their digital sexually explicit images have reported similar experiences of those who have been victims of IPV. However the research suggests that the negative effects (e.g., emotional, psychological and physical experiences) on non-consensual porn distribution victims may be heightened because of the revictimization that occurs each time the victims’ images and/or information is repeatedly observed or shared online, which has been attributed to victims of child abuse who have maladaptive responses to their abuse. Research suggests current legislation has not assisted victims in combating and prosecuting the perpetrators who disseminate the victim’s digital porn without the victim’s consent. Additionally, US federal legislation, like Section 230 of the Communication Decency Act, arguably enables the digital distribution of victims’ non-consensual pornographic images and videos. Utilizing a content analysis, the current study analyses digital non-consensual porn distribution court cases in the USA, including Washington, DC, to assess the prevalence and effects of non-consensual porn distribution court cases. The review highlights the lack of diversity in the use of types of non-consensual porn distribution state statutes and the similarities between victims of IPV (e.g., rape) and non-consensual porn distribution prosecution that often leads to negative outcomes for victims.

Purpose The criminalization of online financial fraud is examined by analyzing the existing literature, policies and state statutes within the context of the cybercrime ecosystem. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate online fraud policies within the USA and the prevalence of such incidents to explore the effectiveness of current fraud policies. Design/methodology/approach This examination explores policies related to online fraud within the USA by defining online financial fraud incidents within the context of the cybercrime ecosystem and analyzing such incidents with routine activities theory to emphasize the current legislative inadequacies with provisional policy recommendations. Findings This research suggests online financial fraud is not unanimously conceptualized among regulating or criminal institutions. Although federal regulators have governed financial institutions, federal institutions have failed to account for the capabilities of computer-mediated and technological device use (12 USC §1829). Research limitations/implications The limited research analyzing the effectiveness of guardianship that prevents or deters internet-mitigated or dependent financial fraud crimes. Practical implications Policy recommendations include but are not limited to mandating federal and privatized financial institutions to disclose all fraudulent activity to all stakeholders (e.g. customers and local and federal criminal justice agencies). Originality/value This paper provides an innovative approach using a criminological theory and policy framework to examine the prevalence of online fraud and the regulations enacted to counteract such violations.

Research suggests that an offender–victim overlap within the physical and online environment exists. Therefore, it is unsurprising that online fraudsters have victimized each other (i.e., offender-victims) online. However, research is limited regarding the influence that the situational environment (e.g., online and cyberspace) has on online offender [fraudster] decision-making processes and their interactions with other online offenders. The current study uses criminological and communications theories to explore the influence of the situational environment on offenders’ interactions within illicit online marketplaces. A series of bivariate analyses were run to examine the relationship between the independent variables and the three dependent variables. Then, a series of negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The findings suggest a positive correlation between messages from fraudsters and offender victims and emphasize the role individuals’ socially engineered (e.g., deceptive and manipulative) interactions impact targets, including offender victims.

Sexting is a common behavior with studies reporting that 49% of adults have admitted to sending an intimate image and/or video of themselves to a romantic partner. The literature suggests that sexu...