Diving under the surface: fraudulent activity within the dark web

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide readers with a general understanding how the Dark Web functions and the risks and opportunities for criminal exploitation it offers; in particular this research focuses on fraudulent activity which is hosted and facilitated by the Dark Web. This includes an in-depth look at money laundering, credit card fraud and identity theft. Central to discussion is how the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) differ and how these are amalgamated into what are known as the Surface Web, Deep Web and Dark Web. This dissertation also highlights differences between these segments in a comparative view. Anonymity and cryptocurrencies are mentioned and brief explanations are given. The research includes an overview of contemporary research and publications relevant to the subject and a methodology chapter to explain the data gathering process, research aims and objectives, limitations and ethical considerations. In this section, the measures taken to conduct the study are explained. Dissertation main findings and an analysis of these findings are discussed in a dedicated chapter. Findings suggests that there is a lack of understanding of the complexity of the subject. Participants have confirmed that, although they have an understanding of fraud, they find difficulty to interpret fraudulent behaviour from other forms of behaviour. Case studies were used in what perhaps is an innovative approach towards understanding participant perception and ability to identify fraudulent behaviour. Among the main findings, the need for better education and awareness on emerging technologies and methodologies used by criminal to exploit others is needed. The study also appears to address a research gap associated with Dark Web and fraud as there appears to be no other study that addresses this within a Maltese context.