Fraud tops Aussie fear index

Australians are more concerned about credit theft than terrorism, according to a recent study into consumer fears.

A six-monthly survey of 1200 Australians run by Newspoll in February found concern about physical nation security threats has fallen over the last decade replaced with internet and fraud risks including fraud and identity theft.

Three quarters of respondents were more concerned about credit card data being stolen than a decade ago, and half were more worried about the threat of terrorist attacks in Australia.

More than half were more concerned about cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure.

The statistics varied marginally and the total fear index was lower compared to the last few years.

But New Zealand respondents to the same Unisys survey for that country recorded its highest fear index since that research began in 2006.

Fraud also topped the list in that country. Managing director of Unisys New Zealand, Brett Hodgson, said the recent earthquakes in New Zealand has shaken the public psyche.

Respondents to the Australian survey reported that:

• 66 per cent are more concerned about the risk of an environmental disaster,
• 59 per cent are more concerned about companies losing their personal or financial details,
• 56 per cent are more concerned about cyber attacks on important national computer networks,
• 51 per cent are more concerned about the risk of suicide bombs in Australia,
• 42 per cent are more concerned about the risk of airline hijackings,
• 38 per cent are more concerned about the risk to their personal safety.