National Identity Fraud Awareness Week
15th October, 2008
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss said the way in which thieves steal a person’s identity is becoming more sophisticated and can include obtaining personal information from internet sites, rubbish bins or by copying credit card information after you make a purchase.Personal information such as a person’s date of birth, address, mother’s maiden name and passwords have become a currency for thieves seeking to obtain credit, goods and other services.
“Identity theft can be a source of great personal stress for victims, who may also bear significant financial costs in regaining their identity and restoring their credit rating. It is critical that people know how to protect themselves,” Mr Truss said.
According to an ABS report on personal fraud, identity fraud has become the fastest growing crime in Australia, claiming 453,100 victims in the past 12 months.
“Identity theft has been estimated to cost $1 billion to the economy. The Rudd Labor Government must work to improve security arrangements to protect the identities of innocent Australians from being used for illegal purposes.”
To help prevent identity fraud, people in Wide Bay can:
Check your credit report through credit reference agencies to ensure that credit has not been issued or accounts have been established illegally in your name;
Shred documents before throwing them away, to ensure that fraudsters cannot build up a profile based on information you have discarded;
Regularly update internet security and anti-virus software;
Secure your mailbox with a lock so that once mail is delivered it can only be accessed by you;
Pay attention to billing cycles and contact creditors immediately if your bills arrive late as a missing bill could mean a fraudster has stolen your account and changed your billing address;
Avoid using obvious passwords such as telephone numbers, birth dates or your mother’s maiden name;
Be aware of anybody who contacts you unexpectedly and asks for personal information or account details. Ask for their name and a contact number and then check with the organisation in question before calling back.
National Identity Fraud Awareness Week is being held from 13 to17 October, 2008. For further information please visit: www.stopidtheft.com.au
