Testing Questions to Measure Cybercrimes on Three Supplements to the National Crime Victimization Survey

• NCJ Number: 311862
• Date Published: May 2026
• Author(s): David Cantor; Pamela Giambo; Sarah Bennett-Harper; Willow Burns
• Length: 278 pages
• Agencies: BJS-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Grant Sponsored); Statistics

Abstract

This BJS-funded report by Westat evaluates how to measure cybercrime through the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), focusing on which types of crimes are feasible to collect, the survey items designed to collect these data, and the evaluation of these items using cognitive interviews and a web survey.

In response to the Better Cybercrime Metrics Act (P.L. 117-116), BJS is exploring how to measure cybercrime through the NCVS. This report describes research that considers which types of crimes are feasible to collect on the NCVS, the survey items designed to collect these data and the evaluation of these items using cognitive interviews and a web survey. In addition, in response to a U.S. Government Accountability Office request, the research also explored measuring bias-motivated crimes that occurred on the internet. The recommended changes involve modifying existing questions and adding items to three NCVS supplements – the Supplemental Victimization Survey (SVS; stalking supplement), Identity Theft Supplement (ITS) and Supplemental Fraud Survey (SFS). The report provides the rationale for survey changes, research methodology, test results and final recommendations.