Cyber Identity Theft: A Conceptual Model and Implications For Public Policy Angeline G. Close, UGA/NGCSU George M. Zinkhan, UGA R. Zachary Finney, NGCSU

A 1957 Sylvester & Tweety Cartoon Image source: davemackey.com

Identity Theft Most common classification of consumer complaints to FTC (42%) Victimization costs beyond $ Growing problem attributed to the emergence of the e-marketplace Top online fraud (FBI 2003) Re-appraisals of research & public policy are needed

Cyber Stalkers Laughing Behind the Screen…For Now Image Source: greenberg-art.com

Objectives 1) Introduce 3 classification schemes, which synthesize conceptualizations of ID theft and the Internet: a) methods, b) time-frame, c) victims behavioral responses 2) Recognize key issues & regulations related to public policy and consumer welfare

Cyber ID Theft Defined Online or electronic acquisition of personal information with the purpose of utilizing such information for deceitful activity either on the Internet or offline Using electronic (i.e., web-based) means to carry out any form of identity theft

Cyber Identity Theft: An E-Merging Public Policy Issue Process Schemes Time-Frame Victim Response

Cyber ID Theft Process Table 1 Methods of Cyber- ID Theft Cyber- Identity Theft Figure 2 (lower) ID Theft Recurs Figure 2 (Upper) ID Theft Does Not Recur Table 2 Victim Reacts Table 3 Public Policy Issues

Cyber ID Theft Schemes: Broad Scope

Cyber ID Theft Schemes: Narrow Scope

Cyber ID Theft Time Frame

Cyber- ID Theft Victim Response

An Atypical Response Image Source: glasbergen.com

A More Extreme Response: Serious Password Strategy Image Source: glasbergen.com

Public Policy & Consumer Welfare I.Dissemination of cyber identity theft methods II.Employee access to data and associated potential for misuse III. Credit-reporting bureaus IV. The inherent difficulty associated with proving you did not commit acts

Public Policy & Consumer Welfare V.Regulation of data exchanges VI.Uses of marketing databases VII. Use of data by financial institutions VIII. Liability issues IX. Assisting cyber identity theft victims

Public Policy & Consumer Welfare X.Expanding public education/ awareness XI. Educating the populace so that overall crime rates decline XII. Effective criminal enforcement XIII. Risk analysis & risk assessment XIV. What are the specific costs for consumers?

Public Policy & Consumer Welfare XV. What are the costs for business (at the firm level and the industry level)? What are the threats to our economic system? XVI. What are the best ways to promote safety tips and improved technologies? XVII. What are the best media for implementing education or remedial programs? XVIII. What are the best ways to reform identify thieves?

Regulation The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act (governmental): 1) allows victims of identity theft to recover financial damages 2) imposes criminal penalties of <15 years imprisonment & fines of < $250,000 3) directs the FTC to enforce the act

Regulation The Coalition on Online Identity Theft (corporate- based): 1) expands public education campaigns, promoting technology and tips for preventing and dealing with online theft 2) documents and shares non-personal information about emerging online fraudulent activity to prevent future scams 3) works with the government to ensure effective enforcement of criminal penalties against cyber thieves

Information Paradox Image Source: glasbergen.com

Cyber ID Theft and the Market A threat to economic systems, e-commerce- demanding scholarly, practitioner and regulatory attention/ action Citibanks ID Theft Page TV Campaign

Reclaim Cyberspace A broader change in human identity Another paradox of technology Researchers have an important role to play in suppressing cyber-identity theft in the future. Reclaiming cyberspace as a means of enhancing and enriching (our own) human experiences