Identity theft Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Identity theft - Research Paper Example This begins with understanding the various reasons why this problem remains relatively under-appreciated and what drives some people to engage in this sort of activity. At the same time that internet criminals are becoming ever more sophisticated in their means of making money from their activities, the general consumer public remains relatively unaware of the dangers. Everyone has heard of the identity theft and many have been victims of it, but few are willing to take the steps necessary to protect themselves against it. Despite the increasing numbers of online shoppers and the relative ease shoppers encounter as they enter an online retailer site, there are several negative factors not directly related to the consumer that nevertheless affect consumer behavior when determining whether to make an online purchase. One of the primary dangers being confronted is the issue of identity theft and information mining being conducted on reputable as well as questionable sites (Wolfinbarger & Gilly, 2003). Until these issues had received some attention, buyers were recommended to make online purchases using more traditional modes of payment rather than through credit cards or online bank transfers. In more recent years, however, numerous security sites and software has been developed designed to assist retail clients build consumer confidence in making the more convenient credit card purchases over the internet, displaying small padlocks as a sign of trust or requiring specific security codes prior to accepti ng a payment through shopping cart technology (Wolfinbarger & Gilly, 2003). While it has become infinitely safer to make purchases online, shoppers are still cautioned to use care when entering personal information and in choosing retailers. Despite the relative ease shoppers encounter as they enter an online retailer site, there are several negative factors that must be weighed before an actual purchase is made. As is reported by Steven Chucala