Who is to blame? Exploring accountability in fraud victimisation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the discourses surrounding accountability as it relates to fraud victimisation. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based upon interviews with 31 professionals across the fraud justice network (FJN) in the UK and Canada. Findings The paper highlights the complexities that surround participant's perspectives of liability when it comes to fraud. Professionals articulated responsibility falling across the spectrum of victims, offenders and third parties. Further, it is evident that perspectives of accountability are largely influenced by the various types of frauds that exist and the ways in which victims incur losses. Originality/value This paper articulates the discourses of accountability that exist for fraud, and how the current thinking can contribute to interactions with victims, as well as current responses to victimisation. Further work is required to better identify the criteria against which victims are being held accountable, as well as better understand who bears responsibility with responses to fraud victimisation.