Trust us on ID Cards, says the government
With this situation in mind:
Identity Fraud is one of the UK’s fastest growing crimes, affecting individuals and businesses alike. The crime is of greater concern than other more traditional illegal activities such as burglary, mugging and pickpocketing. Around 81% of the British public are concerned about becoming a victim of identity theft according to a report published today by the fraud prevention service CIFAS.
However despite this statistic, most consumers and businesses are not taking steps to protect themselves. 22% access their bank details at work or in internet cafes, while 79% of businesses make no effort to destroy sensitive material that is thrown away or recycled.
… what does one make of the Identity Commissioner, Sir Joseph Pilling, saying: “It is impossible to tell whether identity cards have been obtained fraudulently?”
The essential problem is that ID theft is big business. Someone steals your identity, via credit cards or other means, he or she applies for an ID Card and that card is assigned in perpetuity. That means that any liabilities, crimes etc. are assigned to you.
Filed under: Society & human issues
As you say, it’s big business – not just for the scammers, but also for the likes of Verisign.
… what does one make of the Identity Commissioner, Sir Joseph Pilling, saying: “It is impossible to tell whether identity cards have been obtained fraudulently?”
He’s quite correct. One more reason not to have the scheme in the first place.
Quite.
But then, the point of them was never about ‘security’ – it was always about control.
As sure as night follows day, this will be abused. The government will get it wrong and the crims will run rings around them, giving them kickbacks whenever they get close.
Hmm and then ID cards could become the mother of ID theft…