Identity Theft: Examining Victim Decision-making in Response to Identity Theft

• In Event: Perspectives on Financial Crime

Abstract

In 2018, 9% of U.S. residents age 16 or older reported being the victim of identity theft during the past year, and nearly 80% of these identity theft victims indicated that they had experienced emotional distress (NCVS – Identity Theft Supplement, 2018). Using data from the National Crime Victimization Survey – Identity Theft Supplement (2018), this study examines the actions of the victim in response to identify theft, specifically the decision to contact a credit bureau and/or acquire credit monitoring services. Of particular interest is the impact of the reported emotional distress experienced by the identity theft victim, such as feeling unsafe or vulnerable or experiencing anxiety, on these decisions.

Author

• Susan Quinn, Georgia Gwinnett College