Student and non-student perceptions and awareness of identity theft

Several recent reports have recognized identity theft as a major concern to law-enforcement agencies and the judicial system in Canada. While there is considerable descriptive information on identity theft and identity fraud in Canada, there is a dearth of information about peoples' knowledge and awareness of identity theft and their potential risk to becoming a victim. This study measured the self-reported perception and awareness about the nature, extent, risk, and effects of identity theft and a variety of fraudulent behaviours among 360 college/university students and 106 non-students using a 5-point Likert scale survey. The findings indicate that students are perhaps slightly more at risk but are also somewhat better informed than adult non-students about identity theft. Based on the findings, some general policy implications and educational strategies are offered to better combat identity theft in Canada. A number of suggestions for future research are also proposed.