Identity fraud has become the fastest growing crime in Australia with half a
million victims in the past 12 months at an estimated cost of $1 billion to the
economy¹.
No wonder 60 per cent of Australians fear having their credit card details stolen
more than an act terrorism (38%), a serious health epidemic (36%), or meeting
their future financial obligations (33%)².
Despite the fear, a Newspoll survey showed nearly 70 per cent of people threw
away bank and credit card statements, social security and TFN details, utility bills
and other personal information, putting them at great risk of falling victim to ID
fraud³ from criminals who “dumpster dive” for this type of material.
Those most at risk are professional women in their 20s and 30s.
On the eve of National Identity Fraud Awareness Week October 13 – 17th, Crime
Stoppers urges all Australians to shred all their statements and personal
information before placing this sensitive material in a recycling bin.
“This is the only safe way to ensure your personal information is secure from
dumpster divers,” according to National Chairman of Crimestoppers, Peter Price.
Mr Price also strongly recommends the shredding of CDs containing personal
records and old credit cards and driver’s licences.
“It’s not just hard copy information we should worry about. People store a lot of
personal information on CDs these days,’’ he said.
The first ever Australian Bureau of Statistics study into ID fraud released in June
found that in the past year 383,300 people experienced at least one
unauthorised, fraudulent transactions using their credit cards or account details¹.
Identity theft accounted for another 124,000 victims of identity fraud¹. These
victims included those who experienced unauthorised use of their personal
details, such as a driver's licence, tax file number, or passport to conduct
business, open accounts or take out loans illegally in their name.
1
Australian Bureau of Statistics (Released 27th June 2008) Personal Fraud Survey, Australia
2
Unisys Security Index (2008) Newspoll Survey, Australia
3
Fellowes (2008), Newspoll Survey, Australia - ID Fraud Awareness
For Immediate Release
ID fraud our fastest growing crime
$1 billion cost to Australian economy annually
During National Identity Fraud Awareness Week, organisers are warning people
to be careful with a host of unassuming personal information.
Peter Campbell, National Marketing Manager, Fellowes Australia said that
celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Paris Hilton or Tiger Woods have all been victims
of ID fraud.
“They have had information as simple as birth dates, social security numbers, credit
card statements, utility bills and tax returns stolen that provide proof of identity,” he
said.
“Millions of us don’t think twice about posting personal information as simple as
birthdays on Facebook and Myspace or tossing paid bills into the recycle bin.
“These two simple pieces of information can be the start of some-one stealing your
identity that can lose you money and take years to recover your credit rating.”
About National ID Fraud Awareness Week
National Identity Fraud Awareness Week is a joint initiative of Crimestoppers
Australia, the Australian Taxation Office, data storage and security experts
Fellowes Australia, and credit check specialists Veda Advantage.
The campaign aims to educate consumers and businesses about the dangers of
ID fraud and preventative steps that can be taken.
ENDS
For further media information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Catriona McGauchie
Communicado Marketing Communications
Tel: 03 9522 9944 Mob: 0428 368 371
Email: catriona.mcgauchie@communicado.com.au
David Coghlan
Communicado Marketing Communications
Tel: 03 9522 9906 Mob: 0403 844 429
Email: david.coghlan@communicado.com.au
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