Participant Fraud in Virtual Qualitative Substance Use Research: Recommendations and Considerations for Detection and Prevention Based on a Case Study

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated and amplified the use of virtual research methods. While online research has several advantages, it also provides greater opportunity for individuals to misrepresent their identities to fraudulently participate in research for financial gain. Participant deception and fraud have become a growing concern for virtual research. Reports of deception and preventative strategies have been discussed within online quantitative research, particularly survey studies. Though, there is a dearth of literature surrounding these issues pertaining to qualitative studies, particularly within substance use research. Results: In this commentary, we detail an unforeseen case study of several individuals who appeared to deliberately misrepresent their identities and information during participation in a virtual synchronous qualitative substance use study. Through our experiences, we offer strategies to detect and prevent participant deception and fraud, as well as challenges to consider when implementing these approaches. Conclusions: Without general awareness and protective measures, the integrity of virtual research methods remains vulnerable to inaccuracy. As online research continues to expand, it is essential to proactively design innovative solutions to safeguard future studies against increasingly sophisticated deception and fraud.

Keywords:

• Qualitative methods
• virtual interviews
• online research
• participant deception and fraud
• substance use

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr. Gregory Huyer, Manager of the Research Ethics Board Secretariat at Health Canada/Public Health Agency of Canada for his valuable feedback on this manuscript and support throughout this process.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Funding

Funds allocated to the senior author (BB) from the University of Toronto.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Bernard Le Foll (BLF) has obtained funding from Pfizer (GRAND Awards, including salary support) for investigator-initiated projects. BLF has some in-kind donation of cannabis product from Aurora and medication donation from Pfizer and Bioprojet and was provided a coil for TMS study from Brainsway. BLF has obtained industry funding from Canopy (through research grants handled by CAMH or University of Toronto), Bioprojet, ACS and Alkermes. BLF has received in kind donations of nabiximols from GW Pharma for past studies funded by CIHR and NIH. He has been a consultant for Shionogi. He is supported by CAMH and a clinician-scientist award from the department of Family and Community Medicine of the University of Toronto and an Addiction Psychiatry Chair from the department of Psychiatry of the University of Toronto. BLF also participated in an advisory board meeting for Indivior and got a grant from Indivior for a clinical trial. All other authors have nothing to disclose.