BREAKING THE SILENCE: A QUALITATIVE INQUIRY INTO THE PLIGHT OF FRAUD VICTIMS IN DAVAO REGION, PHILIPPINES

Lea L. Legarda, Nestor C. Nabe

Abstract


This case study aimed to understand the plight of fraud victims in Davao Region, highlighting how they fell into the trap of fraud, its impacts, their coping mechanisms, and insights. The study utilized a qualitative research design using multiple case study, with seven individuals who are victims of fraud chosen through purposive sampling, utilizing an interview guide with open-ended questions. Thematic analysis was used as a data analysis tool. Across the seven cases, several interrelated themes explain how participants became vulnerable to fraud. Participants 1-6 were primarily deceived by referrals and, more particularly, attractive offers, which underscores the significant influence of trust in social networks and the persuasive appeal of promised high financial returns. Additionally, profound and consistent across all the participants’ cases are the psychological, emotional, and behavioural impacts of their victimization. Significant psychological distress, such as disappointment, remorse, and self-blame, which is often accompanied by physical strain, was reported by the participants. The participant’s coping strategy varied but converged around seeking solace in social support networks, engaging in constructive daily activities, and pursuing redress through formal reporting, though silence emerged in cases which is influence by personal relationships. More importantly, the participants’ reflection on their insights highlights the protective value of vigilance, advocating for practices such as delaying trust, authenticating documents, and resisting emotional attachments to enticing offers and opportunities. It also generated preventive wisdom and commitment to collective advocacy of positioning personal narratives as powerful contributions to broader anti-fraud efforts and consumer education.

 

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criminal justice, fraud, victimization, case study, Philippines

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejsss.v12i1.2121

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