CHOICE - Protecting Yourself From ID Fraud (archived)

August, 2008    
News Archive

Eunexus quoted in CHOICE's recent article on ID Fraud - view full article here.

CHOICE - Media Release

'SPEAR-PHISING' & OTHER ID FRAUDS HOOK UNWARY

Advice to head off identity fraudsters' renewed threats CHOICE has outlined key identity fraud risks to help Australians avoid the cost and distress of the growing crime which costs an estimated $1 billion annually and affects 500,000 people.

Most of the 383,000* victims are hit by credit and bank card fraud while 124,000 had their identities stolen. All criminals need is your name, date of birth and address to start hijacking your identity.

On the eve of Privacy Awareness Week ( Aug 24-20) the CHOICE report warns the latest threats involve a thriving international market for sensitive personal information such as credit card data through 'carding' sites.

The report adds that 'click-happy' consumers opening email attachments and following links to fake websites are unknowingly installing spyware and other malicious programs designed to steal their private data.

'The risk of ID fraud particularly over the internet is growing fast and a recent survey found 60% of people are worried about becoming victims,' said CHOICE spokesman Christopher Zinn.

'There's no way to guarantee protection but despite the huge cost in time and money this fraud can inflict most people are not taking precautions to even reduce the risk.'

The threats include:

• Surfing the web. A Google analysis of 4.5 million sites found ten percent contained malicious code some of which could surreptitiously install so-called 'keylogger' software to record your key strokes and steal sensitive information. It's known as 'drive-by downloading'.
• Company databases. Your details could be at least 100 databases- government agencies, banks, employers, loyalty schemes, video shops, airlines etc. But how safe is it and what's to stop hackers or crooked employees selling your details? Even if it happens you might not know until you are defrauded. Australian organisations are not required to inform customers or even regulators about such data thefts.
• New takes on Phishing: You may have heard of this scam which tricks individuals into revealing personal details via deceptive emails and fake websites. But newer incarnations abound-SMiShing: uses mobile phone SMS to phish for information-Spear-phising: victims get an email apparently from a trusted sources such as their employers' IT department requesting information and passwords.

CHOICE - www.choice.com.au

Tips to protect your identity: Practice safe computing; check your credit file with credit ratings agency regularly. It's free if you can wait ten days and can alert you to misuse of your name; Safeguard documents and shred bank statements; Ensure credit and bank statements are received and details correct; report problems to the authorities.

*Source: Australian Bureau Statistics

Click here for the full report '10 threats to your good name': http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=106472.

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