The problem of “white noise”: examining current prevention approaches to online fraud

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to examine the current prevention messages that exist surrounding the prevention of online fraud. In particular, it focuses on the amount and level of detail that is promoted for each type of potential fraudulent approach. Design/methodology/approach - Multiple data sources are used to establish the main premise of this paper. This includes the publication entitled Little Black Book of Scams, qualitative data from victims who have experienced online fraud, and materials collected through a police investigation into online fraud. Findings - Results of this analysis indicate that current prevention messages are characterised by a large degree of detail about the various ways that (online) fraud can be perpetrated. This is argued to be ineffective, based on the experiences of victims who were unable to apply their previous knowledge about fraud to their experiences. Additionally, the categorisation of fraudulent approaches is highlighted as unimportant to offenders, who are focused on obtaining money by whatever means (or approach) possible. Practical implications - This article provides the impetus to evaluate the effectiveness of current prevention messages. It points to a simplification of existing prevention messages to focus more importantly on the transfer of money and the protection of personal information. Originality/value - This article argues that current prevention messages are characterised by too much “white noise”, in that they focus on an overwhelming amount of detail. This is argued to obscure what should be a straightforward message which could have a greater impact than current messages

Is there useful information in the 'use of proceeds' disclosures in IPO prospectuses?

This study contributes evidence on the valuation relevance of the 'use of proceeds' disclosure in the initial public offering (IPO) prospectus. This article develops a classification of 'use of proceeds' disclosures that aims to capture information embedded in the disclosures relating to the purpose (growth, production, financing) and amount committed to specific assets. These measures are then related to IPO underpricing, survival prediction and expected and realised prospects of the IPOs. The results suggest the 'use of proceeds' disclosure categories have incremental information over other sources of information for underpricing, for predicting firm survival and in the case of some disclosure categories, for investors' evaluation of the firms' prospects and risks in the early years after listing