How Predictor-Consequence Relationships Vary Across Identity Theft Subtypes

While prior research has examined predictors and consequences of identity theft, minimal scholarship has analyzed whether predictors of financial and emotional harms vary across identity theft subtypes. Using the 2021 NCVS–ITS , this exploratory study tests interactions between seven forms of identity theft and demographic and situational factors to assess their potential moderated effects on out-of-pocket monetary losses and distress following victimization. In addition to identifying significant sociodemographic risk factors underlying more severe outcomes, we find that data breach notifications are associated with reduced distress for victims of misused bank accounts and opening new accounts. Such results indicate that predictors interact with identity theft subtypes in complex ways to shape consequences, revealing context-specific mechanisms of harm that have important implications for policy and practice.