Media release from the Federal Member for Page on the NSW North Coast:
Page MP Janelle Saffin is encouraging people in her electorate to gauge how well they protect their identity, during National Identity Fraud Awareness Week which runs from 17-23 October 2011.
“Our community needs to realise just how serious identity crime is and to understand the devastating effects it can have on an individual’s life,” Ms Saffin said.
A survey is available on the Australian Federal Police website as an innovative way of educating the general public on importance of being aware of identity crime.
The survey covers safety tips such as checking ATMs for any signs of tampering before using, shredding bank statements and other documents instead of putting them in the recycling bin, and deleting spam emails from the deleted email folder.
“This survey allows members of the public to test how vulnerable they are to identity crime and take remedial measures if they need to,” Ms Saffin said.
“Many local people contact me about receiving unsolicited phone calls and emails claiming to be from the Australian Tax Office or other Government office seeking bank account details or other personal information.
“I can confirm that no Government department will ever ask people to offer confidential identity or financial information over the telephone.” said Ms. Saffin.
“I encourage people interested in taking steps to protect their identity to complete the short survey and to also report any suspicious phone calls or contact to SCAMwatch.”
The survey is available at http://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/campaigns/national-identity-fraud-awareness-week.aspx.
To find out more about identity fraud scams and how you can protect yourself from identity crime, visit SCAMwatch or call 1300 795 995.
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