Identity crime fighter: iDcare

AUSTRALIA now has its own national identity theft support service, known as iDcare, officially launched this week by Federal Justice Minister, Michael Keenan.

The service has been boosted to meet the rapidly threats to business and society of identity crime.

Mr Keenan said iDcare was “one of a kind”.

“It offers a toll-free national anonymous telephone service that works with members of the community without charge to develop tailored and practical response plans to get people back on track following an event that threatens their personal information,” Mr Keenan said at the launch event attended by members of parliament, business and government leaders.

“It’s a great pleasure to be here today, and to be invited to help officially launch iDcare, the national support centre for victims of identity crime.”

He said iDcare was in a unique position “to understand not only the experiences of victims – but also how well prepared government agencies and businesses are to assist and support victims on the road to recovery”.

“In this way, iDcare is perfectly positioned to play a strong advocacy role in promoting best practice for responding to victims – and raising awareness of the need to maintain strong protections over personal information,” the Minister said.

The managing director of iDcare, David Lacey, said, “To have one provider, that cuts across all levels of government and industries, that works with individuals to build a tailored response to their circumstances is very unique.”

Dr Lacey said iDcare was a not-for-profit established as a joint national public-private sector initiative. It is located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Its case management centre is specifically tailored to deal with minor through to complex identity theft and misuse events. 

“We respond to clients from Cairns to Esperance, of all ages, and respond to all forms of identity theft, online and physical.” Dr Lacey said.

“A measure of our success is the ability to cut down the complexity of how our clients need to respond, to share critical knowledge, and get them feeling back in control.”

The iDcare support line operates from 8am to 6pm (AEDT) Monday to Friday: 1300 432 273 (1300 IDCARE).

Dr Lacey said iDcare does not collect personal details, nor does it charge for its service.

www.idcare.org

 

ends