Fear of Fraud Increases in Recession

New research has shown that as the recession bites, consumers are becoming more afraid of identity theft and card fraud.

Two thirds of all customers believe that the current economic climate has increased their risk of ID theft, according to research published as part of the Unisys Security Index. The Index is carried out bi-annually and includes respondents from Asia, Brazil, Europe and the US, showing a global fraud perspective.

In the UK 72% of UK citizens believe they are at greater risk from identity theft as a result of the financial crisis.

88 per cent of UK citizens are concerned about other people obtaining and using their credit card, debit card or bank account

These stats are a cause for concern for retailers and ecommerce operators who fear that online sales may be at risk.

Consumers may be right to worry, as the latest stats from APACs show actual fraud has risen 12%, whilst the Association of British Insurers announced a 17% increase in insurance fraud last week.

However, consumers in The Netherlands and Belgium are the least concerned about identity theft and card fraud

The Netherlands and Belgium have the lowest Unisys Security Index scores in all categories. Citizens in these countries in particular are least concerned about national security, whilst Germany, Spain and New Zealand hold the most fear.

The full research can be viewed online at:  www.unisyssecurityindex.com/