Men More Gullible When it Comes to Online Fraud

A new study shows that men are more prone to Internet fraud than women. IC3 received 206,884 complaints of online crimes during 2007. Their findings show that men lost $1.67 to every $1 lost by women in online fraud. This is a $40 million increase in reported losses to law enforcement when compared to 2006.

This article quotes the IC3 saying that buying patterns and human nature play into the findings. "Historically men were more apt to purchase large ticket item like electronics. But with women now spending more online, the difference is also due to the fact that certain types of schemes seem to suck men in. Men tend to fall victim to business investment schemes and some other schemes that have a higher dollar loss," said John Kane, the IC3 research manager who wrote the report. Men also tend to be the victims of check fraud (average loss: $3,000) and Nigerian letter fraud scams ($2,000), Kane said.

I mean come on guys... how can people still fall for the old Nigerian letter scams. You should be able to spot those a mile away. Women tend to be more conservative and don't like to take risks as often as men due (especially financial risk). I think this is the biggest reason for the difference. Also an interesting note from the study showed that even though more money was lost in 2007, there were fewer complaints. This may be an indication that in fact men (and women) are becoming more and more wary of online fraud. Education is usually the best defense. It's just that you have to keep updating yourself on the newest techniques fraudsters are using.

Men be prepared to keep your guard up at all times. We could learn a thing or two from how the women do it....

Skooliki
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http://outervillage.com

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