Key Findings from Survey of Charlotte Area Residents 40+ About Online ...

Caught in the NET A Survey of Charlotte Area Residents 40 About Online Use and Safety

Report Home Computers and the Internet have provided Americans with entertainment, efficient ways to do their jobs, manage their lifestyles, communicate, increase their knowledge, and purchase products and services. As is often the case, this great innovation has also provided criminals with opportunities to defraud victims online and/or cause technical damage to users' computers and personal files. While North Carolina is 21st among all states for the number of identity theft victims statewide, the Federal Trade Commission ranks the Charlotte area 17th in the nation for this particular computer crime. This telephone survey of 500 age 40+ Charlotte area residents explores their online experiences and examines the preventative measures they employ to avoid problems.

Of those surveyed

63 percent own a personal computer (PC) or laptop computer
67 percent access the Internet
48 percent access the Internet at least daily and 13 percent at least weekly

Among those accessing the Internet and or using email

94 percent are concerned to some extent about providing personal information over the Internet
48 percent have received a phishing email seeking personal information
80 percent avoid giving out their email addresses and 79 percent don't post them on websites
91 percent of those who also own a computer say they have installed anti-virus protection software while 79 percent have set up filters or firewalls, and 81 percent have installed anti-spyware software Surveying was conducted for AARP by Alan Newman Research, Inc. between October 13th and 16th, 2006. Further information about the survey may be obtained by contacting the report's author, Jennifer H. Sauer, at 202-434-6207. (22 pages) Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

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