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Risky Remote Purchasing and Identity Theft Victimization Among Older Internet Users

NCJ Number
249441
Journal
Psychology Crime & Law Volume: 21 Issue: 7 Dated: August 2015 Pages: 681-698
Author(s)
Kristy Holtfreter; Michael D. Reisig; Travis C. Pratt; Robert E. Holtfreter
Date Published
August 2015
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Using survey data from telephone interviews conducted in Florida and Arizona with individuals aged 60 and over, this study tested whether the theory of low self-control/risky lifestyles partially explains risky remote purchasing and identity theft victimization among older Internet users.
Abstract
Results from the two-stage probit models conform to expectations, i.e., individuals with lower levels of self-control had a significantly higher probability of making a purchase after receiving an unsolicited email from a vendor with whom they had not previously done business. Also, making a risky remote purchase significantly increased the probability of identity theft victimization. The findings not only speak to the generality of the low self-control/risky lifestyles perspective, but also indicate that older Internet users can reduce their victimization risk by taking specific precautions. (Publisher abstract modified)