Online identity theft - An investigation of the differences between victims and non victims with regard to anxiety, precautions and uses of the internet

Abstract

Online identity theft is a relatively new phenomenon and as a result the research is scarce and additional research is needed (Anderson, 2006). The main problem with online identity theft today is that people do not understand what an online identity is or how it can be used against them (OISR, 2005). According to Eisenstein (2008), because it can take months to recover from online identity theft the prevention of online identity theft is better than cure. Users should be educated as to how to prevent themselves from becoming a victim and should also be educated as to how and why victimisation occurs. The present study will examine the difference in precautions between victims of online identity theft and non-victims. The research will also identity whether victims of online identity theft experience higher levels of anxiety online.