Hello, You’ve been hacked: a study of victim notification preferences

Abstract

In the context of identity theft, raising victims’ awareness is crucial to mitigate ensuing fraud. This study employs a two-part approach to evaluate the mode and content preferences for identity theft victimization notifications as well as recipients’ willingness to engage with these notifications. Notably, results underscore young adults’ inclination toward text message notifications featuring legitimizing credentials, signifying authenticity, and fostering rapid responses. Surprisingly, a randomized controlled trial yields a counterintuitive finding: actual identity theft victims display restrained interaction with text-based notifications, regardless of credential presence. The implications of these unexpected patterns guide theory and aid in the development of proactive policy initiatives.