Title: Measuring identity theft and identity fraud

Authors: Susan Sproule, Norm Archer

Addresses: McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4M4, Canada. ' McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4M4, Canada

Abstract: Identity theft and fraud are an increasing concern to consumers who interact with online businesses routinely. This paper presents a process-oriented model of consumer identity theft and fraud, and reports on a 2008 survey of Canadian consumers. Results are reported in standard categories of fraud: credit card, existing accounts, new accounts, and other fraud. We found that 20% of participants have stopped or reduced online shopping, and 9% have stopped or reduced online banking activities. These findings are of concern to business and government since, if consumers stop doing business online, the productivity benefits of e-business will not be realised.

Keywords: identity theft; identity fraud; Canada; consumers; online business; electronic commerce; credit cards; banking; online banking; electronic banking; e-banking; online shopping; e-business; electronic business; business governance; business ethics; economic crime prevention.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBGE.2010.029555

International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics, 2010 Vol.5 No.1/2, pp.51 - 63

Published online: 30 Nov 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article