Abstract
Purpose
Online non-delivery fraud has expanded rapidly alongside the growth of e-commerce. The actors who
technically enable this crime remain understudied. This paper examines deviant website developers
involved in producing fraudulent online shopping websites. It focuses specifically on websites used in
'pet scams' and how socio-technical mechanisms sustain this type of fraud.
Design/methodology/approach
The study draws on qualitative data from 14 semi-structured interviews. Participants were
Cameroonian website developers who admitted to building fraudulent e-commerce sites. Primary
interview data was collected remotely and analysed using thematic analysis. The research examined
technical processes, trust-building practices, and business models employed by these developers.
Findings
Three themes emerged from the analysis. First, fraudulent websites are produced rapidly using tools
such as WordPress templates or website-cloning software. Second, social networks are central to
client acquisition and risk management. The website developers use referrals, pre-existing social ties,
and staged payment plans to avoid being defrauded by clients. Third, service diversification is
demonstrated through gift-card cashing. This illustrates how some actors expand into moneylaundering functions.
Originality/value
This paper advances the understanding of the socio-technical infrastructure of online non-delivery
fraud. It utilises the perspectives of website developers who operate as crime enablers and highlights
the interplay of technical tools, social networks, and entrepreneurial adaptation in sustaining online
non-delivery fraud.