This study examined individuals' fear of online crime.
Research exploring the extent and nature of fear of crime has spanned decades; it has been examined in many contexts, among varied populations, and from different theoretical perspectives. However, researchers have been slow to estimate or explain individuals' fear of online crime. The current study is among the first to address this issue by examining experiences from a random sample of undergraduate students enrolled at a large public university. In particular, the authors explored the links between perceived risk, online victimization, and fear of online interpersonal victimization (OIPV) and how these relationships varied by the victim-offender relationship. The effects of online exposure and demographic characteristics were also estimated. Results suggest that perceived risk of OIPV was significantly related to fear of OIPV for all types of victim-offender relationships, while previous online victimization was significant for fear of OIPV by intimate partners and friends/acquaintances only. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.