Understanding Consumer Identity Theft Risks Across Communications Media

One in five Australians have been victims of identity theft and this number is growing. Unfortunately, there is little empirical analysis of how communications use affects identity theft risk across the range of communications media. Consumers hence lack an evidence-based understanding of potential risks and effective safeguards. Our research project will fill this gap. We will analyse anonymised identity theft case files to understand victim experiences. We will develop consumer-oriented preventative information, and a series of interventions that can be applied directly to victim risk assessments. We will evaluate these interventions and make recommendations for communications providers.