THE INFLUENCE OF CYBERCRIME ON CONSUMER BEHAVIOR IN DIGITAL COMMERCE AMONG RESIDENCE OF LOKOJA METROPOLIS

The study examined the influence of cybercrime on consumer behavior in digital commerce among residence of lokoja metropolis. The objective of the study was to understand how cybersecurity concerns, influence consumer purchasing decisions in Lokoja Metropolis, to investigate how cybercrime affects the adoption and use of e-commerce platforms, to examine the role of regulatory frameworks in protecting consumers from cybercrime, to assess the effects of cybercrime exposure on consumer attitudes toward digital commerce, to identify strategies that businesses can implement to enhance trust and security in the digital marketplace. A descriptive survey design was used in the study. using Taro Yamane Formula, a sample size of 400 was used for the study. A quantitative method of data collection using questionnaire was employed. Descriptive and inferential analysis was applied in the study using Microsoft Excel and SPSS 23.0. The study revealed that that more than half of the respondents, (52.3%), perceive existing laws and policies on cybercrime in Nigeria as only somewhat effective. that a vast majority of respondents, 296 (74%), believe that increasing public awareness of cybersecurity would significantly encourage more people to engage in online shopping. Majority of respondents (72.5%) also acknowledged experiencing emotional distress such as anxiety, fear, or frustration as a result of exposure to cybercrime incidents. The test of hypothesis also revealed a significant relationship between cybercrime and consumer behaviour in digital commerce, between cybersecurity awareness and consumer trust in digital commerce platforms the frequency of cybercrime incidents and consumer reluctance to engage in digital commerce and between cybersecurity measures implemented by digital commerce and consumers’ willingness to shop online. However, it also showed a low negative relationship between the rise in cybercrime incidents and the adoption of cashless transactions among consumers. The study concluded that while digital commerce holds great potential for economic growth and convenience in Lokoja and Nigeria at large, its advancement is strongly constrained by the threats of cybercrime. The study recommended a continuous public enlightenment campaigns on cybersecurity awareness, investment in cybersecurity infrastructure and to strengthen the enforcement of existing cybercrime laws and policies, Clear reporting channels for victims of cybercrime should be created and publicized, and offenders should be prosecuted promptly to serve as deterrents.