Identity crime and misuse in Australia: Results of the 2019 online survey

This report presents the findings of the latest survey of identity crime and misuse undertaken by the Australian Institute of Criminology as part of the Australian Government’s National Identity Security Strategy. Identity crime is one of the most prevalent forms of criminal activity in Australia and can have severe and lasting consequences for victims. In 2019, nearly 10,000 people from across Australia were surveyed about their experience of victimisation over their lifetime and during the preceding 12 months. The survey results for 2019 are compared with those of the 2018 identity crime survey.

The 2019 survey found 25 percent of respondents had experienced misuse of their personal information at some time during their life, with nearly 12 percent experiencing it in the previous 12 months. Eighty percent of these identity crime victims also reported a financial loss as a result. The average amount lost in 2019 ($3,916) was noticeably larger than in 2018 ($2,234). The results from the 2019 survey will help policymakers raise awareness of identity crime and reduce its impact throughout Australia.