Experiences of Filipino teachers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries’ higher education institutions

Online shopping has become an essential part of everyday life, especially for college students who rely on e-commerce platforms for convenience and affordability. However, despite recognition of the risks associated with online shopping scams, there is a substantial gap in research focusing on the specific vulnerabilities of college students to these scams, particularly with respect to demographic variables such as college program, sex, and socioeconomic status. This study examined the vulnerability of STI West Negros University (STIWNU) students to online shopping scams based on demographic factors such as college program, sex, and socioeconomic status. Using a descriptive design and surveying 371 students, statistical analysis showed that first-year students and females were more vulnerable, with phishing being the most common scam. The College of Information and Communication Technology (CICT) students were the most vulnerable, while Engineering students were the least. Shopee was the most used platform. Significant differences were found by year level but not by college or income. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted educational programs to improve digital literacy and online safety awareness. By identifying key vulnerability factors, this study contributes valuable insights for developing effective prevention strategies to protect students from online shopping scams.