Identity fraud was costing Australia billions of dollars a year and nearly everyone was concerned about the theft and illegal use of their identity, federal Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said today.
At the opening of National Identity Fraud Awareness Week in Sydney today, Mr Ruddock warned people to take extreme care when handling documents and identification cards that may fall into the hands of fraudsters.
"The use of false or stolen identities underpins much criminal activity, from organised crime and people smuggling, through to money laundering and the manufacture and importation of illicit drugs," he said.
"It undermines border citizenship and passport controls and it facilitates terrorism financing."
With Mr Ruddock were NSW Police Force Assistant Commissioner Bob Waits and members of Crime Stoppers Australia.
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They urged people to protect their personal information and even recommended buying paper shredders to use at home when discarding any document that contained personal information.
"Identity security should be a critical concern for all Australians," Mr Ruddock said.
"We're talking billions of dollars (illegally obtained by fraudsters)."
A Galaxy research survey in May found 87 per cent of people were concerned about identity theft.
Most were concerned about financial loss, a sense of being personally violated and embarrassment if financial transactions were declined.
Mr Ruddock took the opportunity to promote the Government's plan to introduce a Smart Card that would replace a multitude of identity cards used to obtain government benefits.
As part of the ID fraud awareness week, a new website has been launched for Australians to learn about how to protect themselves from identity theft - www.stopidtheft.com.au
Identity Fraud Cost Australians Billions Of Dollars Annually
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