Exploring the determinants of victimization and fear of online identity theft: an empirical study

The present study aims at understanding what factors contribute to the explanation of online identity theft (OIT) victimization and fear, using Routine Activity Theory (RAT). Additionally, it tries uncover influence such as sociodemographic variables, offline fear crime, computer perception skills. Data for were collected from a self-reported survey administered sample university students staff (N = 832, 66% female). Concerning OIT victimization, binary logistic regression analysis showed that those who do not used credit card had lower odds becoming an victim, reported visiting risky contents presented higher victim. Moreover, males less likely than females being In turn, was explained by socioeconomic status (negatively associated), education (positively associated) crime in general associated). addition, subjects more interaction with strangers fearful, avoiding behaviors levels OIT. Finally, skills are fearful. These results will be discussed line routine activities approach implications preventive outlined.