Premier Mike Rann said in a statement the SA government proposed to introduce the first legislation in Australia specifically designed to combat identity theft, the incidence of which has grown rapidly with the development of new technologies such as card-skimming devices and criminal involvement in computer hacking. The legislation creates three new offences, with the first being to knowingly assume a false or fictitious identity and use that identity to commit a serious offence.
The second is to knowingly produce, possess or sell personal identification information with the intent to commit a serious offence, unless the individual has "lawful authority".
The third is to knowingly produce, possess or sell document-making equipment with the intent to produce - or obtain by unauthorised means - personal identification information.
The legislation beefs up existing laws, which generally prevent police from acting until a thief actually uses their stolen or fake identity to commit a crime. The government was quick to point out that terrorists often use fake identification to commit their crimes.
"Crooks get this lucrative information by scavenging through rubbish (dumpster-diving), stealing mail, peeking over someone's shoulder at a public phone, computer or ATM (shoulder-surfing) or using an electronic device to scan a credit card, possibly even as it is handed over by its owner to pay for something (skimming)," said Attorney-General Michael Atkinson.
"We're going to nip this in the bud before the information is used to help terrorists, illegal immigrants and drug couriers let alone assist with money laundering or frauds against people, business and governments," said Rann.
The government has provided assurances that authors using a pen name or teenagers accessing fake ID to get into pubs will not be included in the bill. "An exemption will ensure people faking their age purely to obtain products or services aren't penalised under this legislation," said Atkinson.
The government is seeking consultation with business and law-enforcement agencies on the bill and appropriate penalties.
Nice idea,
Could I also suggest that the state government assists victims of theft of ID by not charging victims for replacement of stolen ID, notably drivers licences?
May I also suggest that banks etc do the same.
One mugging is usually enough for most!