How Predictor-Consequence Relationships Vary Across Identity Theft Types

• In Event: Cyber Victimization in Context: Patterns, Overlaps, and Emerging Forms

Abstract

The 2021 National Crime Victimization Survey – Identity Theft Supplement captures a broad range of identity theft types, including the recently added categories of email and social media account misuse, along with five traditionally-measured types of victimization (i.e., credit card misuse, bank account misuse, other existing accounts misuse, opening new accounts, and other fraudulent misuse of personal information). While previous studies have examined the predictors and consequences of these victimization types, more research examining the predictors of financial and emotional harm across the various forms of identity theft is needed. This study addresses this gap by testing interactions between the different identity theft types and demographic/behavioral factors to explore their moderated effects on financial and psychological consequences. For instance, we assess gender differences in consequences across the identity theft types and whether social media account misuse produces greater distress for men or women. Findings indicate that some predictors interact with identity theft types in complex ways to shape unique victimization consequences. Our results contribute to the extant literature by revealing how various forms of identity theft prompt unique consequences for different people, demonstrating the importance of disaggregating its types and offering new insights into tailored intervention strategies.

Authors

• Andrew D. Nevin, University of Guelph

• Dylan Reynolds, Cape Breton University

• Jin Lee, George Mason University