The COVID-19 pandemic has radically altered life, killing hundreds of thousands of people and leading many countries to issue "stay-at-home" orders to contain the virus's spread. Based on insights from routine activity theory (Cohen & Felson 1979), it is likely that COVID-19 will influence victimization rates as people alter their routines and spend more time at home and less time in public. Yet, the pandemic may affect victimization differently depending on the type of crime as street crimes appear to be decreasing while domestic crimes may be increasing. We consider a third type of crime: cybercrime. Treating the pandemic as a natural experiment, we investigate how the pandemic has affected rates of cybervictimization. We compare pre-pandemic rates of victimization with post-pandemic rates of victimization using datasets designed to track cybercrime. After considering how the pandemic may alter routines and affect cybervictimization, we find that the pandemic has not radically altered cyberroutines nor changed cybervictimization rates. However, a model using routine activity theory to predict cybervictimization offers clear support for the theory's efficacy both before and after the pandemic. We conclude by considering plausible explanations for our findings.

Purpose This paper aims to update our understanding of the public’s opinion of white-collar crime and explains perceptions of white-collar crime using self-interest, political affiliation and in-group/out-group characteristics. Design/methodology/approach A state-wide phone survey of adults in North Carolina was conducted, and 421 adults responded. They provided their views of white-collar crime, the need for government intervention and whether they were more concerned about white-collar crime in the public or private sector. Findings In the survey, 74 per cent of the responders agreed or strongly agreed that white-collar crime is one of the leading problems in this decade, and 74 per cent of the responders suggested that it is not being adequately addressed by our legislators. Evidence suggests that individuals who are conservative, have high confidence in their economic circumstances or are demographically similar to stereotypical white-collar criminals perceive white-collar crime to be less of a problem than individuals without these characteristics. Originality/value This study shows that perceptions of the dangers of white-collar crime have increased since its inception. Additionally, this study extends our understanding about why certain demographics are more likely to care (and why high-ranking politicians are less likely to care) about white-collar crime.

Purpose This paper aims to add to the theoretical discussion of white-collar crime by introducing modern psychological decision-making literature and the potential effect on white-collar offending. Design/methodology/approach Using a theoretical approach, literature on heuristics, innovation and stress, insight into why white-collar offenders decide to commit crime is posited. Findings The heuristics and strategies that people use to assist in decision-making process may inadvertently promote white-collar crime. For example, stress may inhibit white-collar offenders’ thinking, causing them to discount the risk of committing said offense; individuals may not challenge the success of carrying out a white-collar offense once it is considered; and generally, people will be more optimistic in considering their success of not getting caught. Originality/value Currently, the study of white-collar crime is discussed largely in the context of sociological factors. Current psychological theories have considerable explanatory power in understanding why white-collar offenders commit their crimes.

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