Abstract

The study investigated Internet Fraud and Information Needs and Seeking Behavior of Internet Users in Delta State University. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population of the study comprised internet users both students and staff in Delta State University. Accidental sampling was used to select 158 respondents. Questionnaire was used to collect data. Data collected were analysed using the descriptive statistics of arithmetic mean and standard deviation. The study identified identity theft fraud, online-investment fraud, admission fraud and others as the major forms of fraudulent activities. In order to be safe from these, the found that internet users need information how to identify a fraudulent activity online, genuine & reliable websites and databases, online information literacy, use of social networks, cyber security information. In the course of seeking information, internet users exhibit certain behaviours by viewing podcast & comments of victims online, checking comments of users on posted images and videos online, interacting with other trusted users. Lack of awareness on the existence of internet fraud, the rising role of technology on daily basis and others stand as the major barriers. Therefore, the study recommended the need for proper sensitization on the use of internet sites and social networks as well as adequate training on new technologies, and online information literacy skills among internet users.