Identity theft can be really difficult to remedy and it’s a problem that can sometimes take weeks or months to solve. A new partnership between the NSW Police Force and ID Support NSW will leverage the expertise of both agencies to create a faster and more effective response to identify theft.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NSW Police and ID Support NSW has been signed and will facilitate a more streamlined information sharing process between the agencies and complement police efforts to support victims of identity crimes.
The partnership heralds a new era in efforts to protect the public from the ever-growing threat of identity theft, data breaches, scams, and other types of cybercrime.
Restoring stolen or misused identity
ID Support NSW, within Cyber Security NSW, helps people restore their stolen or misused identity documents and shares free resources and tools with individuals, groups, and small businesses to protect against identity theft and data breaches.
Commander of State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad, Detective Superintendent Matt Craft, said the partnership is a commitment to working together to ultimately ensure the cyber safety and security of our community.
‘Our partnership with ID Support NSW marks a significant step forward in our efforts to protect the public from the ever-growing threat of identity theft, data breaches, scams, and other types of cybercrime,’ he said.
Critical support
‘It enhances our ability to educate the public and provide critical support to those affected by cybercrime, and it also underscores our commitment to leveraging all available resources to stay ahead of would-be cyber criminals and to support victims.
‘An example of how we will use this partnership going forward can be seen in a recent investigation by Bankstown Region Enforcement Squad, where officers seized approximately 14,000 various identity documents most likely obtained during various data breaches.
‘A total of 959 individuals were identified as being potentially impacted; all of whom were contacted to alert them of the compromise and supported in taking steps to prevent it happening again.’
Identity theft deeply unnerving
Digital NSW Deputy Secretary Laura Christie, said identity theft is deeply unnerving because it strikes at the core of your personal security. ‘It’s not just about stolen data—it’s about the loss of control over your own identity, which can leave people feeling exposed, vulnerable, and uncertain.’
‘We want NSW residents to know that ID Support NSW is here to help with personalised guidance through our support line and guidance on proactive steps you can take to protect your identity following a breach.
‘The partnership between ID Support and NSW Police will amplify both team’s abilities to respond to incidents and provide help for victims of identity theft, fraud and scams.’
Fore more information, visit: ID Support NSW – Identity theft support | NSW Government.
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