Stolen ID: Overview : SBS Insight

Overview

Are we making it easier for thieves to steal our identities by putting our lives online?

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Police data show identity crime is on the rise, while social networking sites encourage users to fill online profiles with personal data.

Identity theft has become a lucrative business. The internet has opened the way for organised criminals to 'spy' on personal computers anywhere in the world. Some succeed in 'phishing' personal details or stealing internet banking login details by using fake email addresses.

Many victims of identity theft only become aware that their details have been used to obtain credit cards and loans when debt collectors come knocking.

Insight looks at identity crime and asks; how can we prevent it?

Meet the Guests

Alastair MacGibbon

Alastair MacGibbon looks after online security at eBay and says your online identity is safe if you follow a few simple rules.

Bennett Arron

Bennett Arron is a British comedian and was a victim of identity theft. He's well known in the UK for stealing the Home Secretary's identity.

Shaun Heron

Shaun Heron was recently named by MySpace Australia as a cyber-celebrity with over 44,000 online friends.

Detective Superintendent Brian Hay

Detective Superintendent Brian Hay heads up the Queensland Police Corporate Crime Investigation Group. He says young people are becoming vulnerable to identity theft as they share more information online.