NCJ Number
224154
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice Volume: 50 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2008 Pages: 153-186
Date Published
April 2008
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This article examines issues related to identity theft in Canada.
Abstract
The findings indicated that students were perhaps slightly more at risk, but were also considered to be somewhat better informed than adult nonstudents about identity theft. It is noted that several recent reports have recognized identity theft as a major concern to law-enforcement agencies and the judicial system in Canada. The work acknowledges that there exists considerable descriptive information on identity theft and identity fraud in Canada, but that there is a dearth of information about peoples’ knowledge and awareness of identity theft and their potential risk to becoming a victim. Background on the issue includes: amount of identity theft and its financial impact; forms and methods of identity theft; groups at risk for identity theft; and the law and related countermeasures. Based on the findings, some general policy implications and educational strategies are offered to better combat identity theft in Canada, and a number of suggestions for future research are also proposed. This study measured the self-reported perception and awareness about the nature, extent, risk, and effects of identity theft and a variety of fraudulent behaviors among 360 college/university students and 106 nonstudents using a 5-point Likert scale survey. The 2006 sample of students had an 80 percent response rate to a 7-part survey instrument. Tables, notes, references