Consumers concerned over data security—and it’s not just about ID theft
A Zogby Interactive survey has found that worry about identify theft has now reached most online Americans—91% of those polled said they are concerned that their identity might be stolen and used to make unauthorized purchases.
With the Internet’s card-not-present transactions, online shopping is one natural venue for attempts to use such fraudulently obtained credit card information—another reason for online merchants to take notice of the data. The online survey of 6,703 U.S. consumers found that half are “very concerned” about identity theft.
Consumers’ worry about supplying credit card information doesn`t end with concerns about identity theft. The poll found that consumers are concerned about what companies including retailers are doing with the credit card information they collect. 91% of those polled said they worry that retailers and others could sell their personal information for marketing purposes. Almost as many, 83%, said they are concerned that information provided to retailers specifically could end up in the hands of others, either through theft or sale.
In the survey, 34% said they are not confident that retailers, card companies and other firms that have detailed records of their personal information are appropriately safeguarding it. 28% said they believe companies do a good job of keeping their information safe.
Consumers also expressed some skepticism about whether firms that say they won’t share or sell their personal information will actually follow through on that. 48% said they believe companies would honor that promise, while 35% said they’re skeptical that companies will follow through on the promise to protect their privacy.
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