I have always sought to work on and examine social problems that combine my interests in anthropology, computer science, statistics, and math. My passion for this type of research intensified when I heard one of my close friends become a victim of identity fraud. This prompted me to begin my first research project on understanding the key drivers of fraud. I contacted several professors and was subsequently denied an offer from most of them. However, I collaborated with Dr. D'Arcy P. Mays, a Professor and Founding Chair of the Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Dr. Mays is also the Associate Dean for Research and Operations at VCU's College of Humanities and Sciences.
In addition to my interests in statistics and math, I also share a strong passion for anthropology and African languages. This inspired me to take a college-level course in Anthropology under Dr. Christopher Brooks, an internationally acclaimed anthropologist whose publications have been reviewed by the New York Times, Washington Post, and Chicago Tribune. While in the course, I earned an academic distinction from Dr. Brooks and was selected to become his research assistant for a future publication and ethnography he was conducting on medical practices in Kenya called Dual Pandemics.
I have also conducted research that aims to improve the educational experiences of the refugees I teach at my local nonprofit. I have presented this research at a professional conference, including the American Anthropological Association's Annual Transitions Conference
Understanding the Battleground of Identity Fraud
Abstract
Identity fraud has rapidly expanded into one of the fastest-growing white-collar crimes in the US. Beyond its substantial economic toll, resulting in billions of dollars in losses to the economy, identity fraud inflicts significant financial losses and mental distress upon its victims. With increasing online activity and the growing frequency of significant data breaches, the complexity and scale of identity fraud continue to grow. However, most academic research in this space has been focused on identifying cognitive behaviors and interventions at the individual level. Addressing a complex, multifaceted social issue like identity fraud necessitates a more comprehensive understanding of its underlying drivers at a broader macro level. This study employs statistical methodologies to examine and analyze the factors influencing identity fraud in the US across a wide spectrum of variables using data from 2005 to 2021. A total of 12 explanatory variables, including macroeconomic indicators, sociodemographic factors, and criminal behavior, were analyzed. We identified the statistically significant variables associated with identity fraud through multiple linear regression, ANOVA, and multicollinearity analysis. Our analysis supported the hypothesis that the national unemployment rate, online banking usage, and incidence of fraud-related offenses were statistically significant variables in explaining identity fraud. Although not statistically significant, the increasing occurrence of data breaches and cyber-attacks and their implications for data security and privacy may warrant further attention. The overarching objective of this study is to establish a macro-level framework to understand identity fraud better, thereby fostering subsequent research and intervention efforts at both the individual and societal levels.
