The role of misinformation in elder fraud: a conceptual framework

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47989/ir31iConf64186

Keywords:

Misinformation, Elder fraud, Integrative literature review, Comparative concept analysis

Abstract

Introduction. We propose a conceptual framework to illuminate the connections between misinformation and elder fraud, especially the role of misinformation in elder fraud. Both topics have been explored in multiple areas. The connections between misinformation and elder fraud, however, are under investigated. Also, the contributions of Library and Information Science communities are limited to help older adults avoid being victims of fraud.

Method. Following an integrative literature review approach, related literature on misinformation and elder fraud were collected.

Analysis. This paper applies concept analysis and thematic analysis on recent literature of misinformation and elder fraud. The analysis focuses on groups of factors that moderate or mediate misinformation to elder fraud.

Results. A conceptual framework on misinformation and elder fraud is developed.  The framework describes the role of misinformation in elder fraud as well as related factors, including preventive factors to misinformation, antecedents to elder fraud, mediating mechanisms between misinformation and elder fraud, and protective factors to elder fraud.

Conclusion(s). There are pathways through which misinformation connects to elder fraud. Strategies to detect and mitigate misinformation may help to reduce elder fraud. More investigation is needed to refine and validate the proposed framework.

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2026-03-20

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Chen, J., & Ono, M. P. (2026). The role of misinformation in elder fraud: a conceptual framework . Information Research an International Electronic Journal, 31(iConf), 1054–1066. https://doi.org/10.47989/ir31iConf64186

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