Abstract

Despite the growing literature on identity theft, limited studies have been conducted to explore demographic differences between individuals in levels of self-protection measures. Additionally, previous research indicates that men are less likely to employ self-protection measures compared to women, but the potential mechanisms to explain this gender difference remain unclear. Using the 2016 Identity Theft Supplement of the National Crime Victimization Survey in the U.S., the current study examined the interrelationship between gender, Internet-based behaviors (e.g., online shopping, credit card use, and debit card use), and the use of self-protection measures. Our logistic regression models revealed that the use of debit cards to make purchases online mediates the relationship between gender and the decision to employ self-protection measures.