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Australians should check credit card statements for signs of financial fraud as Christmas bills roll in


Consumer vigilance the best defence against ID theft and financial fraud

SYDNEY, January 29, 2009 – As the Christmas credit card bills roll in, Australians are being urged to check their statements thoroughly for signs of identity related fraud and crime.

 

“The sheer number of transactions over the pre and post Christmas shopping periods mean it is even more important to check your bills as they come in,” said Unisys Security Spokesperson, Jane Evans.

 

The warning reinforces findings of the latest Unisys Security Index(1) which shows that more than 12 million Australians are worried about credit and / or debit card fraud which is the second highest issue of concern out of 8 security issues polled in the Unisys Security Index.

 

“The Christmas and New Year sales periods have both seen enormous levels of activity by Australian consumers(2) yet it is busy times like this when the volume of transactions is high(3) that financial fraud is not only more likely to occur, but can be harder to spot.

 

“The Unisys Security Index has found 12.5 million Australians are extremely or very concerned about other people obtaining or using their credit and / or debit card details.

 

“So our message to Australian consumers is clear – check all the transactions listed on your statement and make sure you can account for each and every one of them.

 

“If you are unsure about a transaction, no matter how small, check it out with your bank and/ or financial services provider.

 

“January is also a great time to start good habits to help reduce your exposure to identity theft and financial fraud.

 

“Our research shows that many Australians take unnecessary risks which place them in danger of falling victim to identity theft.

  • Almost 20% of Australians don’t destroy bank and credit card statements before they throw them away
  • Nearly 25% of Australians never read the privacy policies of organisations they deal with.
  • A further 28% of Australians said they relied on easy to remember numbers such as family birthdays when creating a new PIN number.

“Consumer vigilance is one of the most important weapons against identity related crime and financial fraud and there are many simple steps that people can take to give themselves added security, including:

  • Change your Pin or Password regularly for your internet and phone banking
  • Lock your mail box to ensure that statements and other personal information does not go astray
  • Get bank and credit statements delivered electronically
  • Pick a time during the week to closely review all bank and credit/debit card statements for illegal transactions
  • Do not keep bank account details and passwords in bags, purses or wallets as they can be lost or stolen 
  • Regularly check your credit history to see if someone is seeking credit in your name
  • Shred all private documents – anyone could go through your rubbish
  • Only use secure transaction methods for online shopping.”

A series of tips can be found at http://unisyssecurityindex.com/australia/view-points.asp which provides consumers and the public with easy to follow tips to help keep personal information and finances safely protected.

 

Footnotes

 

(1) The Unisys Security Index™: Australia – conducted September 2008 (www.unisyssecurityindex.com.au).  The Unisys Security Index was developed as regular measure of community attitudes towards a range of financial, personal, internet and national aspects of security.  It is Australia’s only regular snapshot of public perceptions towards security.

 

(2) Australian Retailers Association media release:  “ARA: Christmas trade exceeds retailer expectations – 62% say Christmas retail trade was same or better than 2007”,  http://www.retail.org.au/index.php/news/3261

 

(3) Visa Europe processed 715 separate transactions every second in the lead up to Christmas 2007

 

Unisys on Security

 

Organisations and governments today confront potential security threats that didn’t exist a decade ago.  A nation's sense of security is an important indicator of political, economic and consumer forces and their interdependence. Security threats are global and their effects impact individuals on a daily basis. Unisys approach to security goes beyond ‘bits and bytes’ recognising that the most effective solutions are going to be those formed through collaboration across interests.  See also www.unisyssecurityindex.com.au. For more information on Unisys security offerings visit: www.unisys.com.au/services/security/index.htm.   

 

About Unisys Asia Pacific

 

Unisys helps clients with solutions for more secure business operations by aligning technology with business strategy. Drawing on a history of industry innovation and expertise, Unisys provides specialised services, delivered by trusted consultants.  In Asia Pacific, Unisys delivers services and solutions through subsidiaries in Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Malaysia, The Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand and through distributors or resellers in other countries in the region.  For more information, visit www.unisys.com.  

 

About Unisys

 

Unisys is a worldwide information technology services and solutions company. We provide consulting, systems integration, outsourcing and infrastructure services, combined with powerful enterprise server technology. We specialise in helping clients use information to create efficient, secure business operations that allow them to achieve their business goals. Our consultants and industry experts work with clients to understand their business challenges and create greater visibility into critical linkages throughout their operations. For more information, visit www.unisys.com.

 

Contacts 

 

Julian Brophy, Perception Partners, 0408 276749
julian@perceptionpartners.com.au

 

Claire Hosegood, Unisys, 0411 253 663
claire.hosegood@au.unisys.com