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A search-theoretic model of double-spending fraud

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  • Li, Yiting
  • Wang, Chien-Chiang

Abstract

We study double-spending attacks in a digital payment system, such as cryptocurrency, wherein agents send transaction messages to facilitate the transfers of digital currencies. The system is imperfect such that the payer can send a double-spending message to transfer the currency to another account owned by herself after the original message is sent, and the payment system may recognize the double-spending message instead of the original one as the real transaction. If this occurs, the seller will not receive the payment, and the payer may retract the payment but keep the merchandise. We consider multiple mechanisms that can be applied to deter double-spending attempts, including a cost to send a message, a currency deposit, and currency deletions. However, applying the above mechanisms is costly. If the probability of detecting fraudulent activity is low, employing fraud deterrents may not be ideal, and allowing for double spending may instead reflect an optimal equilibrium.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Yiting & Wang, Chien-Chiang, 2022. "A search-theoretic model of double-spending fraud," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:dyncon:v:142:y:2022:i:c:s0165188921000920
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jedc.2021.104157
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Conlon, Thomas & Corbet, Shaen & Hou, Yang (Greg), 2024. "Contagion effects of permissionless, worthless cryptocurrency tokens: Evidence from the collapse of FTX," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    2. Kao, Yu-Sheng & Day, Min-Yuh & Chou, Ke-Hsin, 2024. "A comparison of bitcoin futures return and return volatility based on news sentiment contemporaneously or lead-lag," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    3. Wang, Chien-Chiang & Li, Yiting, 2023. "Anonymous credit," MPRA Paper 118480, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cryptocurrency; Money; Search; Imperfect information; Fraud;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E40 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - General
    • D80 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - General
    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)

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