84% of businesses could reduce fraud risk if certain about customers’ identity

Costa Mesa, Calif., Jan. 24, 2018 — Six out of every 10 businesses are experiencing the same or more fraudulent losses online compared with a year ago. Released today, Experian’s Global Fraud and Identity Report shows that fraud trends and patterns continue to grow across the globe. The research found that most businesses — 72 percent — cited fraud as a growing concern. 

The research also shows that businesses need to better identify their customers to help combat online fraud. Currently, most businesses tend to demonstrate suspicion when it comes to preventing fraud, following a route of detection rather than permission or trust: 71 percent know that they deny more transactions than they should. This doesn’t just lead to a loss of sales; it’s also likely to damage the lifetime value of that customer. 

Business leaders agree that if they were more precise in identifying customers and avoiding denial of real transactions, they would see an increase in revenue. In fact, 84 percent of businesses say the need for fraud risk mitigation could be reduced if they were certain about customers’ identity.  

As businesses undergo digital transformations, they recognize the importance of trust and the need for technology to deliver it. “Whether it’s in our favorite coffee shop or shopping online, being recognized by the people we do business with goes a long way,” said Kathleen Peters, Experian’s senior vice president of Global Fraud and Identity. “Recognition helps to stimulate trust, and trust is what makes all of us feel safe and protected. Trust is the currency of digital commerce. Technology is the enabler that underpins it.” 

Findings from the study show that while consumers want to be recognized, they also expect online banks and retailers to do everything they can to protect their information and secure their transactions. Nearly seven out of every 10 consumers like security protocols when they transact online, because it makes them feel protected. But that doesn’t mean they like too many hurdles and inconveniences. The most effective fraud prevention and identity strategies keep people safe without disrupting their experience. 

“Fraud is always evolving, and fraudsters are becoming more resourceful. Good fraud detection requires multiple strategies, including better customer recognition,” added Peters. “Simply put, the better you recognize your customer, the better you can recognize fraud.” 

To develop the study, Experian^® interviewed more than 5,500 consumers and 500 business executives in 11 markets around the world. Additional findings from the annual fraud report: 

• One out of every four consumers has abandoned a transaction because setting up a new account required too much information.
• 35 percent of consumers would transact more online if there were fewer security hurdles.
• Only 40% of businesses are “very confident” in their ability to detect fraud.
• 52 percent of businesses are still using passwords for fraud detection and protection.
• 75 percent of businesses expressed interest in more advanced measures that have no impact on the digital customer experience.

The Global Fraud and Identity Report also shows how different regions across the globe view and manage fraud: 

• Different regions put different levels of emphasis on advanced security measures that have no impact on the digital customer experience. The United States, India, South Africa and China make this a significantly higher priority.
• Tolerance for friction in the name of security varies across the countries surveyed. Consumers in India and South Africa are more tolerant of security protocols because it makes them feel protected, while consumers in Turkey are less tolerant.

The full fraud and identity report can be downloaded here: http://www.experian.com/globalfraudreport2018

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About Experian

Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments — from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers — we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

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