Online Fraud: Are Baby Boomers or Millennials More Scared?

Online Fraud: Are Baby Boomers or Millennials More Scared?

 
New research shows the majority of both Baby Boomers and Millennials are concerned about becoming the victims of online fraud. The study, released exclusively to Mashable, finds 77% of Baby Boomers (ages 55 and older) and 62% of Millennials (ages 18 to 24) are concerned about their information’s misuse online.

The majority of both groups do not feel “very secure” shopping online (only 34% of Millennials and 19% of Baby Boomers feel “very secure”), the ThreatMetrix study conducted by The Ponemon Institute reveals. However, only half of Millennials — a generation of digital natives — and 41% of Baby Boomers say they consider the security of an online merchant before making a purchase.
“It’s interesting to note that while the younger generation is less concerned about online fraud in general, when they do question the fraud prevention measures of an online merchant, they say it adversely influences their experience with that particular brand,” says Bert Rankin, ThreatMetrix’s VP of marketing. “It’s a big concern if online retailers are losing out on potential sales simply because consumers can’t trust the security of the transactions on the website.”

SEE ALSO: Security Fears Skyrocketing in the U.S. [INFOGRAPHIC]  When it comes to mobile commerce, the two groups’ practices are more distinguished. Only 25% of Baby Boomers have made a purchase from a smartphone or tablet, while 60% of Millennials report having done so. However, both groups believe there is less fraud risk from a mobile device than a desktop or laptop. Boomers choose m-commerce for its perceived increased security, while Millennials choose m-commerce for its convenience. 

“Mobile offering better fraud protection is a common misconception that fraudsters use to their advantage,” says Rankin. “Not only are merchants still trying to understand the mobile channel, but the majority of consumers don’t even download virus protection on their smartphones. And with more consumers using mobile devices to purchase goods, leverage social networks and conduct banking transactions, fraud is of growing concern in this channel.”

The study polled 722 U.S. consumers who are self-reported active Internet users, and did not consider respondents between ages 26 and 54. 

Image courtesy of Flickr, Truthout.org