Spearing High Net Wealth Individuals: The Case of Online Fraud and Mature Age Internet Users

Abstract

Every day dangerous criminals are targeting high net wealth members of our community as they venture onto the internet. Statements from twenty-nine community organizations and mature age internet users were analyzed using structured coding techniques in order to identify the major criminal risks and threats, and key protective safeguards. The study warns that mature users, particularly those with high net wealth, are critically vulnerable to internet fraud, and personal data and identification theft through spear phishing email and remote access trojan malicious software attacks. The major implication for countries with aging populations, and rising numbers of mature internet users, is the urgent need for ongoing development and resourcing of internet security skills and awareness programs; consumer protection laws and law enforcement assistance; affordable protective internet technologies and complementary support schemes; and the strengthening of online business codes and standards, particularly in dealings with older people.