Credit Card Fraud Now Main Concern of NZers

News Release

Credit Card Fraud Now Main Concern of New Zealanders, Shows Unisys Security Index

Identity theft and credit card fraud remain the top two concerns above any other security issue

Credit and debit card fraud is now the leading concern of New Zealanders according to the December Unisys Security Index released today.

Fears of credit card fraud in New Zealand increased by five percentage points over the September result, and overtook the loss or misuse of personal information as the key security concern for the nation. Today, 57 per cent of New Zealanders say they are extremely or very concerned about the prospect of credit and or debit card fraud. And 52 per cent say the theft or misuse of personal information concerns them.

“Kiwis today remain more concerned about credit card fraud and the misuse of personal information than they are about any other security issue,” says Brett Hodgson, managing director, Unisys New Zealand.

“Such findings help to inform discussion in government, business and the community about the changing nature of security and the different types of responses that might be appropriate,” he said.

The December Unisys Security Index stands at 110 out of 300, a slight easing compared to the September Index of 114. Overall, the December Unisys Security Index shows that New Zealanders remain reasonably comfortable about security issues although there are some important exceptions in specific areas.

The Index shows that New Zealanders are marginally more concerned about the security of online transactions. Since September there has been a four percentage point increase, to 36 per cent, of Kiwis saying they are extremely or very concerned about transacting through the internet.

The Index also showed that the number of Kiwis extremely or very concerned about meeting their essential financial obligations has fallen by nine percentage points since September.

Similarly the number of New Zealanders extremely or very concerned about war or an act of terror has fallen by approximately seven percentage points.

Interestingly, across all issues considered by the Index, the group consistently showing greatest concern in New Zealand was the 18-34year olds.

The results for the individual categories within the Index shows that out of a possible score of 300:

- National Security = 98 (a drop of 9 points from September)

- Financial Security = 122 (a drop of 5 points from September)

- Internet Security = 110 (a drop of 7 points from September)

- Personal Security = 112 (a drop of 8 points from September)

“The Unisys Security Index is a direct reflection of Unisys strategic focus on secure business operations. Collaboration on security initiatives can create convenience for consumers, reduce costs, promote commerce and improve delivery of public services,” says Mr Hodgson.

Notes to editors
The following accompanying materials are available upon request:

- Consumer Link’s survey results document

- Photography of Brett Hodgson, managing director, Unisys New Zealand

- Other images (graphs, bar charts, illustrations)

ENDS

About Unisys Security Index
The Unisys Security Index is New Zealand’s first regular snapshot of public perceptions towards a range of security issues. Conducted by Consumer Link, one of New Zealand’s leading market research companies, the Index provides a regular, statistically robust measure of perceptions towards four areas of security - National, Financial, Internet and Personal security. The December 2006 Index follows the initial benchmark Index released in September 2006.

About Unisys
Unisys is a worldwide technology services and solutions company. Our consultants apply Unisys expertise in consulting, systems integration, outsourcing, infrastructure, and server technology to help our clients achieve sound business operations. We build more secure organisations by creating visibility into clients’ business operations. Using the Unisys 3D Visible Enterprise approach, we make visible the impact of their decisions—ahead of investments, opportunities and risks. For more information, visit www.unisys.com.

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