PERCEPTION OF INTERNET FRAUD AMONG YOUTHS: A STUDY OF DELSU UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

ABSTRACT This study examines the perception of internet fraud among Nigerian youths, with a specific focus on undergraduate students of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka. It explores students’ level of awareness, indulgence, influences on their indulgence, perception, and the socio-economic implications of internet fraud in their academic and social environment. The research adopted a descriptive survey design, on the population size of 26,000 undergraduates, and a sample size of 394, using an online questionnaire distributed through purposive and snowball sampling methods, deriving 377 valid responses which was analyzed using frequency tables, percentages, and mean scores. Findings reveal a high level of awareness among students, with internet fraud (popularly known as Yahoo) being normalized in some student circles. Many students view it as a practical response to economic hardship, unemployment, and peer pressure, even while acknowledging its moral and legal wrongness within themselves. The study also shows that internet fraud has become deeply embedded in student culture, with many students connected to fraudsters, approached for recruitment, or involved themselves. Its impact includes inflation in both the local and national economy, a damaged national reputation, strained societal values amongst others. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the Nigerian government adopt stronger socio-economic reforms such as reducing inflation, creating employment, and improving youth access to sustainable opportunities. Nationwide sensitization campaigns should also be launched to reshape public perception and discourage the glorification of fraud. Furthermore, educational institutions should reintroduce moral and civic education, while security agencies and the legal system must be empowered to detect and prosecute internet fraud more effectively.