The maximum penalty for identity crimes is 10 years imprisonment. This is for the most serious identity fraud crime offence – Dealing with identification information.
A maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment is applicable. The Act also criminalises possession of identification information (section 192K), and possession of equipment to make identification documents (section 192L). These offences carry respective maximum penalties of 7 years, and 3 years imprisonment.
The use of stolen, fabricated or manipulated identities to commit or enable crime has been enhanced by the expansion of new technologies and change in online behaviour. Identity Theft is organised crime.
"It can take days, months, or even years to untangle identity theft," says Tolmachoff. This is because each case of identity theft is unique, and the recovery timeline can depend on many factors, including the type of identity theft that took place.
You could lose your life savings
If an identity thief gains access to your financial information — such as your account numbers or login information — they can empty your life savings and rack up debt in your name. Scammers have a multitude of ways they can get your financial information.
Identity theft has profound consequences for its victims. They can have their bank accounts wiped out, credit histories ruined, and jobs and valuable possessions taken away. Some victims have even been arrested for crimes they did not commit.
Why should I care if someone steals my identity? You will be responsible for what the thief does while using your personal information. You might have to pay for what the thief buys. This is true even if you do not know about the bills.
Financial identity theft.
This is the most common form of identity theft — when someone uses another person's information for financial gain.
In 2021-22: 8.1% of persons (1.7 million) experienced card fraud. 2.7% of persons (552,000) experienced a scam. 0.8% of persons (159,600) experienced identity theft.
The maximum penalty for identity crimes is 10 years imprisonment. This is for the most serious identity fraud crime offence – Dealing with identification information. While the penalty for Possession of equipment to make identification documents or things is a maximum of 3 years.
Did you know that retail crime, such as shoplifting, robbery and vandalism, costs Australian businesses up to $9 billion each year?
Q: What should I do if I have unauthorized charges on my debit card? A: Contact your bank immediately if you suspect unauthorized transactions on your debit card. If the transaction was made using a debit card or other electronic fund transfers, you may have additional protections under federal law.
Most of us know the importance of making our passwords and PINs secure and keeping them out of fraudsters' hands. But even simple details such as your full name, date of birth and address can be used to commit identity fraud. Often criminals don't need to look very hard to find out where you live or when you were born.
The four types of identity theft include medical, criminal, financial and child identity theft. Medical identity theft occurs when individuals identify themselves as another to procure free medical care.
Identity theft usually begins when your personal data is exposed through hacking, phishing, data breaches, or other means. Next, a criminal makes use of your exposed information to do something illegal, such as opening an account in your name.
Banks have a legal and ethical responsibility to refund scammed money to their customers. However, you can't always get scammed money back. Whether it's a lack of evidence or human error on your part, thieves can sometimes get away with your stolen funds.
It is entirely possible to recover from credit card fraud and identity theft, especially if you catch it immediately. But you have to address it quickly and get in touch with the right providers to take corrective measures. Here's how to handle identity theft and credit card fraud if you are a victim.
Many credit card companies and banks have customer protection plans in place to protect against identity theft or to recover funds from fraudulent purchases. Credit reporting companies and private insurers also offer fee-based identity theft protection plans, but their benefits have mixed reviews.
INVESTIGATING IDENTITY THEFT
Law enforcement must accept the complaint, prepare a police report and provide the complainant with a copy, and investigate the alleged violation and coordinate the investigation with other law enforcement agencies if necessary (CGS § 54-1n).
Contact your police department, report the crime and obtain a police report. Decide whether you want to place a security freeze on your credit report.
Stealing attracts a penalty of up to five years imprisonment. However higher penalties apply if the offence is committed in special circumstances.