Experiencer, Helper, or Observer: Online Fraud Intervention for Older Adults Through Role-based Simulation

TL;DR

This paper introduces ROLESafe, a role-based simulation intervention that improves online fraud detection skills among older adults by engaging them in experiencing, observing, and assisting in fraud scenarios.

Contribution

It presents a novel multi-role simulation approach for anti-fraud education tailored to older adults, addressing limitations of traditional static instruction.

Findings

Experiencer role enhances fraud identification skills.

Helper role significantly improves fraud awareness.

Multi-perspective simulation is effective for education.

Abstract

Online fraud is a critical global threat that disproportionately targets older adults. Prior anti-fraud education for older adults has largely relied on static, traditional instruction that limits engagement and real-world transfer, whereas role-based simulation offers realistic yet low-risk opportunities for practice. Moreover, most interventions situate learners as victims, overlooking that fraud encounters often involve multiple roles, such as bystanders who witness scams and helpers who support victims. To address this gap, we developed ROLESafe, an anti-fraud educational intervention in which older adults learn through different learning roles, including Experiencer (experiencing fraud), Helper (assisting a victim), and Observer (witnessing fraud). In a between-subjects study with 144 older adults in China, we found that the Experiencer and Helper roles significantly improved participants' ability to identify online fraud. These findings highlight the promise of role-based, multi-perspective simulations for enhancing fraud awareness among older adults and provide design implications for future anti-fraud education.