An Exploratory Study amongst Gen Z, X and Y on Awareness and Perception about Cyber Scams with Special Reference to Plastic Money

Abstract

Cyber scams have become an increasingly prevalent threat in the digital era, impacting individuals across different generational cohorts. This study explores the awareness and perception of cyber scams among Generation Z, Generation Y (Millennial), and Generation X, highlighting the differences in their experiences, knowledge, and susceptibility. The research utilizes a mixed-method approach, incorporating surveys and interviews to assess how each generation perceives online fraud, phishing, identity theft, and financial scams. The findings indicate that while younger generations (Gen Z and Millennial) are more technologically savvy, they may still fall victim to scams due to overconfidence. In contrast, Gen X exhibits cautious online behavior but may lack the latest cyber security knowledge. The study emphasizes the need for targeted awareness programs and adaptive security measures to enhance cyber safety across age groups.