Credit card hacking is US's top crime fear

The loss of credit card information and the fraudulent theft from banks after the card information had been stolen is the crime that most people in the US fear. Image: Stock Image: Free Digital Photos

As the number of major retailers reporting cyber-security breaches grows, and more and more thieves steal credit card data belonging to tens of millions of their customers, awareness of the hacking threat has loomed large.

"Americans today are more worried about their credit card information being hacked from stores than about any other crimes they are asked about, and a relatively high percentage say they have been victims of this crime," Gallup said.

It said 69% of Americans reported they frequently or occasionally worried about computer hackers stealing their credit card information from stores where these cards have been used.

The only other crime that worries the majority of Americans - 62% - is hacking and data theft from a computer or smartphone.

Crime fears growing, not abating

The next most-worrying crime, at 45%, was a home robberies, while 42% fretted about having their car stolen or broken into.

The theft of personal data from a computer or smartphone that has been hacked is high on the list of crimes that US citizens fear the most. Image: Yuriy Fotolia

Tied at 31% were the number of people worrying about having a school-aged child physically harmed while attending school and about getting mugged while out of the home.

Lesser concerns were worry about being the victim of terrorism (28%), being murdered (18%) and, at the bottom of the list, being assaulted or killed by a co-worker (7.0%).

Gallup said that 27% of Americans said they or another household member had information from a credit card used at a store stolen by computer hackers during the past year, the most frequently experienced crime on a list of nine crimes.

Similarly, 11% of respondents said they or someone else in their household have had their computer or smartphone hacked in the past year, putting that in the top half of crimes on the list.

"High-profile hacking at big retail chains, such as discounter Target and home improvement retailer Home Depot, is clearly shaking consumer confidence," Gallup said.

"It may affect their shopping habits as they take measures to protect their identities and finances. Consumers may avoid stores that have been hacked, and begin paying more frequently with cash or prepaid cards to protect their identities," it said.

Source: AFP via I-Net Bridge