Melbourne’s identity theft hot spots revealed

VICTIMS of identity theft across Victoria are having their personal documents sold on the black market for drugs worth as little as $10. The Melbourne areas hit most have been revealed.

Anecdotal evidence is that an identity document can be worth $10 to $15 on the identity fraud black market and is usually paid for with drugs.

VICTIMS of identity theft are having their personal documents sold on the black market for drugs worth as little as $10.

The practice has come to police attention as figures revealed there were more than 34,000 cases of deception across Victoria in the past year.

Stolen personal details are being used to fraudulently open bank accounts and rack up huge credit card bills.

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A community ‘shred day’ will be held at Elwood on October 20 so residents can safely destroy sensitive documents.

Acting Sen-Sgt Martin McLean said: “In the past year, we’ve gained some intelligence which suggests that offenders are accepting stolen identity documents in exchange for drugs.

“Anecdotal evidence is that an identity document is worth around $10 to $15 each and is usually paid for with drugs.”

People whose identities had been stolen were often unaware until debt collection agencies came knocking over huge bills racked up in their name.

Some were even locked out of their own bank accounts.

“There are cases of victims being denied access to their own assets and personal holdings after offenders have stolen their identity and taken control of accounts and other information holdings,’’ Acting Sen-Sgt McLean said.

“Personal information can also be used for online shopping scams and phishing scams.”

Crime Statistics Agency figures show there were 34,093 deception offences recorded in the year to June, down 5 per cent on the previous year.

The Melbourne, Greater Geelong, Port Phillip, Hume, Yarra and Darebin council areas were hot spots.

Deception includes identity theft, forgery, counterfeiting and stating false information.

Shred on Site owner Andrew Vincent said people were increasingly aware of the need to protect sensitive information.

“There’s definitely more awareness about the issue now,’’ Mr Vincent said.

“Even a small amount of personal information can be used illegally if it gets into the wrong hands.

“It’s so important those documents are safely and securely destroyed.”

CEO and owner of Shred on Site Andrew Vincent. Picture: Jason Sammon

Bendigo Bank Elwood Community branch board member Andrew Ashdown, whose organisation is supporting the event, said: “We all know that it’s really important to keep personal information including banking statements safe but documents also need to be properly destroyed when the time comes.

“That’s why we are pleased to be able to give the community this opportunity to securely destroy their important documents and records.”

FRAUD HOT SPOTS

Melbourne City Council area: 4567

Greater Geelong: 1779

Port Phillip: 1712

Hume: 1275

Yarra: 1174

Darebin: 1172

Greater Dandenong: 1147

Casey: 1106

Whittlesea: 1071

Wyndam: 1011

Source: Crime Statistics Agency, Deceptions July 2017 - June 2018

* A Shred on Site shredding truck will be outside Elwood Life Saving Club on October 20 from 10am to 1pm.

Shredding is free with a $5 recommended donation for each box. Proceeds go to the club. Details: 1300 55 88 76 or shredonsite.com.au