Data processing backlogs at some government birth, deaths and marriages registries have left the door open for fraudsters to assume the identities of dead Australians.
The ability of a person involved in immigration fraud, tax evasion, social security rorts and even terrorism to obtain a legitimate birth certificate by using a dead person’s identity is still possible at these registries.
Sources told The Australian that registries were tight-lipped about revealing cases where identity thieves had taken advantage of antiquated recording systems. But some cases do make it into the public sphere, thanks to the courts. In August a Sydney court heard the case of a couple who trawled graveyards in Queensland, Victoria and the ACT to steal the identities of deceased children.
These names in turn were used to create false Medicare cards, birth certificates, drivers’ licences, bank accounts and credit cards. Forged documentation and identities were sold to criminals, including members of the Lone Wolf bikie gang, so they could apply for passports — via redwolf.newsvine.com
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