Resources and publications about identity theft

Resources

Identity Theft Checklist

The Identity Theft Checklist includes information on what you can do to protect yourself from identity theft, and also information on what to do should it happen to you. There are also some real-life examples of how identity theft has affected individuals. The Checklist is a cross-government initiative and is part of a suite of guidance material to prevent identity crime and raise awareness of the issue.

Download or print out the Identity Theft Checklist

Document Verification Guide

This Guide has been produced to help organisations quickly and accurately verify the authenticity of a number of common documents, often used to verify people’s identities. The Guide will change frequently and it is recommended that if you download it, you also register for alerts by emailing docverify@dia.govt.nz.

Download the Document Verification Guide

igovt services

igovt services allow people to prove and confirm their identity and access rights to participating government services. The igovt identity verification service is a secure way to prove your identity online without showing documents. The upcoming RealMe service from the New Zealand Government and New Zealand Post will be enabled by the igovt services.

Compliance Common Capability Programme

This is an all-of-government programme that aims to improve the capability of compliance functions within central and local government agencies. It has developed Achieving Compliance: A Guide for Compliance Agencies in New Zealand.

Publications

Identity Assurance Framework for Government

The Identity Assurance Framework outlines a structured approach to the coordination of identity assurance activity across government.

Evidence of Identity Standard

The Evidence of Identity Standard sets out the process requirements for establishing and confirming the identity of individuals seeking government services.

Good Practice Guidance for the Recording and Use of Personal Names

The Good Practice Guidance for the Recording and Use of Personal Names outlines an approach for the consistent collection and storage of names. It supports the individual’s right to be known by the name of their choosing while also providing a framework for organisations to reduce fraud based on the manipulation of names.

Download or print out the Good Practice Guidance for the Recordng and Use of Personal Names

Good Practice Guide for Identity Fraud Control

The Good Practice Guide for Identity Fraud Control is designed to help organisations to minimise the risks of identity fraud through effective and sustained internal controls.

Identity Crime Frequently Asked Questions

These questions and answers provide background and useful facts about identity crime in New Zealand.

Download or print out the Identity Crime Frequently Asked Questions

 

Other useful information

Identity crime touches many other issues, including safety online, scams and protecting your privacy. Other websites you may find useful are listed below.

The Privacy Commissioner

Provides useful information about the Privacy Act, how to protect your privacy and comply with the Act. You can complain to the Privacy Commissioner if you feel your privacy has been breached.

NetSafe

NetSafe is an independent non-profit organisation that promotes cybersafety by educating people, organisations and industry. The website provides useful information and tools, including Hector’s World, a fun, free tool for children to teach them about being safe online.

Scamwatch

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs runs Scamwatch. This website gives helpful information about the types of scams happening, what to do if you are a victim of a scam and alerts about scams that have been reported.

Anti-Spam

The Department of Internal Affairs has the responsibility for enforcing the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007, which is designed to combat unsolicited emails and text messages, commonly called spam. The Department of Internal Affairs website provides information on how to avoid spam, how businesses can comply with the Act and allows people to complain about spam.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Citizens Advice Bureaux are found throughout New Zealand and provide free, impartial and independent advice from volunteers.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance

The Anti–Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 will come into effect soon and will change the requirements for knowing who customers are when conducting financial transactions. This website provides information about the Act and the requirements on certain businesses.