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Speeches and papers by AIC staff

Addressing identity-related fraud

Russell Smith
Australian Institute of Criminology

Presented at:
Cards Australasia 2003
Melbourne
3 September 2003

Abstract

In the twenty-first century, criminal misuse of identity lies at the heart of most plastic card fraud. This paper, which was presented to Cards Australasia 2003, Melbourne, 3 September 2003, examines the problem of identity fraud as it relates to card-based payment systems. After considering some of the drivers behind the increase in identity-related fraud, some evidence is provided of the extent of the problem and its effects on business and government. The paper concludes with an examination of three key issues in controlling identity-related fraud: reforming the points based system of identification; establishing a national identification system; and using biometric authentication and verification systems as a substitute for knowledge-based approaches.