The Hidden Gender Gap: Examining the Influence of Gender on Fraud Victimization Risk Among Cryptocurrency Owners

Abstract

The exponential rise of cryptocurrency has outpaced both understanding and safeguards regarding its utility, rendering crypto markets susceptible to fraud on a massive scale. In this paper, we seek to understand drivers behind female cryptocurrency purchasing behavior, as well as whether gender influences risk of victimization. Based on the analysis of a survey of over 900 cryptocurrency purchasers (33% female), this study explores the relationship between gender and a variety of influences related to cryptocurrency purchasing behavior. Our analysis revealed a significant relationship between gender and cryptocurrency knowledge as well as victimization. These findings have several implications, most crucially that female crypto purchasers may be differentially influenced by subcultural factors that increase risk of victimization compared to their male counterparts.