Handing Over a Copy of Driving Licence. Is It Safe?

blitzzbargain on 01/11/2016 - 21:30
Last edited 02/11/2016 - 11:59 by 1 other user

Hi All,

I am just wondering whether it is safe to provide a copy of your driving license to a small financial institution (e.g. credit unions and small banks), rental car companies and other companies required you to hand over your license and subsequently, they make a copy of it and store it somewhere.

There are a lot of cases of identity theft nowadays. It could happen to anyone!

Maybe applying a proof of age identity card (instead of providing a driving license) will reduce the risk of identity theft? Any ideas? I am in my 30s, it might be a bit funny to apply for a proof of age identity card (http://www.vcglr.vic.gov.au/utility/community/young+people/p…)

Below is a victim of an identity theft (and many more…):
http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/banking/mail-theft-l…

Please advise.

Thank you in advance.

General Discussion

Comments

  • inherentchoice on 01/11/2016 - 21:38

    There are a lot of cases of identity thief nowadays

    Are you sure? What are some examples?

    What did the identity thieves do?

    • blitzzbargain on 01/11/2016 - 21:45
      +2

      Basically, the thieves pretend to be you.
      they can apply for credit using your id, open a bank or building society account in your name, run up debts (e.g. use your credit/debit card details to make purchase) or obtain a loan in your name
      apply for any benefits in your name (e.g. housing benefit, new tax credits, income support, job seeker's allowance, child benefit), register a vehicle in your name, apply for a passport in your name
      apply for a mobile phone contract in your name etc.

      It is apparently costing Australia $1.6 billion each yeah
      (https://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/crime-types/fraud/identity…)

    • whooah1979 on 01/11/2016 - 22:37
      -8

      identity thieves

      Nobody can actually steal someone's identity.

      • Gershom on 02/11/2016 - 11:16
        +2

        Yes they can. You don't know what you're talking about.

        • whooah1979 on 02/11/2016 - 11:51
          -5

          Yes they can. You don't know what you're talking about.

          Could you please share a link to a rl case where someone has been changed and convicted of stealing another person's identity?

        • Gershom on 02/11/2016 - 15:18
          +2

          @whooah1979: No. Why would I be bothered?

        • whooah1979 on 02/11/2016 - 15:42
          -5

          @Gershom:

          No. Why would I be bothered?

          So hostile. Having a bad day?

        • tonka on 03/11/2016 - 16:51
          +1

          @whooah1979: Jeez blatant trolling .

        • saintmagician0 on 03/11/2016 - 20:07
          +1

          @whooah1979: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/attempts-to-gain…

          "Identity theft is a type of fraud that involves using someone else's identity to steal money or gain other benefits."

          Sounds like someone doesn't understand what the word identity theft means.

          Obviously we're not talking about hocus pocus voodoo where someone steals your face and your memories and takes over your life and your friends and family magically don't notice….

    • blitzzbargain on 01/11/2016 - 22:54
      +2

      Below article is an example of true horror stories in Australia of the big impact of identity theft on someone's life:

      http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/banking/mail-theft-l…

      • inherentchoice on 02/11/2016 - 00:25
        +1

        Thanks. I was actually a bit ignorant of identity theft and how widespread it is, so I have learned something tonight.

    • tonka on 03/11/2016 - 16:50
      +1

      I'm going through it right now. Some ahole has gotten a copy of my id from somewhere and used it to get a Vodafore account (and iPhone I presume).

      Vodafone are jerks about it won't tell me any information about it except I owe them money and threatening to ruin my credit rating. Only thing I could do to stop them was put a complaint to ombudsman. Otherwise they wanted a stat dec with a lot of private info without even giving me proof of a debt.

      Going forward I am not letting anyone copy my id without putting some tape across it printed with the date and the name of the org copying it.

  • kerfuffle on 01/11/2016 - 21:39
    +4

    Proof of Age ID is basically the same as a driver's licence just that you can't drive …

    • blitzzbargain on 01/11/2016 - 21:57

      As mentioned in the post, I am in my 30s, do you think I can apply it, even though I have a driving license?

      • garetz on 01/11/2016 - 22:09
        +2

        Anyone can get proof of age id, as long as you are over 18.

      • kerfuffle on 01/11/2016 - 22:30
        +6

        My point is that there's no point applying for it as it's a form of ID, thus making your attempts to stem identity theft a moot point. It has virtually everything that a driver's licence has, minus the do you wear spectacles etc.

      • hymio on 01/11/2016 - 22:38
        +4

        In NSW you are only allowed to hold EITHER a photo card (NSW's proof of age card) OR driver's licence. Not both. Not sure if it's the same for VIC though?

  • Diji1 on 01/11/2016 - 22:11

    Maybe applying a proof of age identity card (instead of providing a driving license) will reduce the risk of identity theft?

    It may since many places do not take Proof of Age cards instead of motor vehicle licenses … the rental car place probably ain't going to take it but you could always enquire.

  • chumlee on 01/11/2016 - 22:12

    Being online is more of a security issue than a financial institution recording the details on your driver licence

  • DDE on 01/11/2016 - 22:13
    +1

    The Card is called: ADULT PROOF OF AGE CARD, in QLD.

    Which State are you residing in?

    If you live in QLD, this is a link to help you.

    https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/proof-of-age/

    Let me know if you live in an other State.

    Be kind to each other, whilst you are on this planet.

    • blitzzbargain on 01/11/2016 - 22:18

      I am residing in Victoria so the proof of age link below
      http://www.vcglr.vic.gov.au/utility/community/young+people/p…

      My concern is it is a bit funny to apply for it when you have a motor vehicle license.

      • trustnoone on 01/11/2016 - 22:27
        +3

        I know quite a fair few people that do it, largely because they would prefer to lose a proof of age card instead of their license when they go out drinking. Personally I'd prefer a proof of age card which doesn't include your drivers license number which I think can be used for some basic things over the phone (like changing prepaid sim plans).

        Most other info is address, name and age, a lot of which can probably be found easier then taking my drivers license so I'm not too bothered with it.
        I don't see anything wrong with having multiple things to prove your you though. Makes it much easier to get the right points when applying for things as well.

        I'll probably get one of those cards for me just in case as well, I don't think theres anything funny or wrong with it :), and I'd rather give that out then my license.

        • Franconian on 03/11/2016 - 17:59

          A proof of age card is not an official ID and not accepted in most places in VIC. Either passport, drivers licence or Keypass ID card…

        • Sarge2401 on 06/11/2016 - 10:23

          Proof of age card(18+) uses your drivers lic number in Queensland. Doesn't have your address on it and a lot of girls use them for when they go out drinking. Just offers a bit of protection from the ferals that are out there. If there is an incident the police then have d/l number and can get the other details.

  • Empharand on 01/11/2016 - 22:37
    +1

    Just to give you an understanding of why the licence is required, I personally work for an equipment rental company
    (I won't disclose which company, but to give you idea it's like a Coates Hire)

    The licence is required as part of a verification process to make sure you are who you say you are, last thing we want to do is send out a $20,000 - $60,000 piece of equipment and have it stolen..

    I have been working at this company for shy of 6 years, and we have had a piece of equipment stolen because our checks weren't strict enough (at the time) and we didn't get a copy of a licence, this individual (who was later caught by the AFP) used both legit and illegitimate information which checked out (again, at the time)

    If you don't like the fact that you need to provide a copy of your licence before you can rent expensive equipment, then have fun trying to rent something without providing it.. you can't even rent a carpet cleaner from Bunnings without a copy of a licence.

    • blitzzbargain on 01/11/2016 - 22:42

      Thanks for the info.

      Can I check with you how is your company ensuring that the copies of driving licenses are stored in a safe location and they are not falling into a wrong hand?

      I don't mind to provide a copy of my license as long as it is kept safely and discard when it is no longer required.

      • Empharand on 01/11/2016 - 22:44

        Copies of the licence are kept on a secure server (only a selected few including myself have access) until said equipment is returned.

  • NotAMoodle on 01/11/2016 - 22:41
    +6

    My wife and I have Veda Identity Watch & Credit Protect which informs you anytime you (or someone pretending to be you) apply for a credit application, as well as trawling the dark web for people who might be trading your CC's etc. It's a small price to pay for piece of mind.

    If you are worried about this kind of thing, I suggest you get it!

    • blitzzbargain on 01/11/2016 - 22:45

      I am just wondering whether you and your wife also subscribe Dun & Bradstreet Credit Alert?

      • NotAMoodle on 01/11/2016 - 22:51

        Nope, just https://www.identitywatch.com.au/ & The Veda product.

        I got my free yearly D&B credit report recently, and 3 applications in the last 5 years were not in there, however 100% of my applications were on the Veda report. Not all crediing agencies seem to use D&B, but they all seem to check Veda.

    • outlander on 01/11/2016 - 23:15

      That's smart. What pushed you to sign up for that?

      • NotAMoodle on 02/11/2016 - 08:22

        I work in the IT industry so have seen & heard my fair share of this kind of stuff unfortunately mate.

  • DDE on 01/11/2016 - 22:44

    You may THINK it is funny, true.

    We are asked to produce an ID and the 'Driver Licence'
    is the most practical document because it is a Photo-ID.
    Many people are so used to it.

    They are two different documents for different purposes.
    One identifies you as a person licensed to operate a motor vehicle,
    in one or more categories, Car, Heavy Vehicle.

    The other one identifies you ,who you are.

    If you need to produce evidence of who you are,also your age,
    the 'Adult proof of age card'(in QLD)is practical.

    Nobody needs to know that you hold a Licence to drive a motor vehicle.

  • DDE on 01/11/2016 - 22:51

    We all know, there is no 'ID-Card' for Citizens.
    We are using alternative documents for identification.

  • outlander on 01/11/2016 - 23:59
    +2

    This is something that has me paranoid too. Everywhere seems to be gathering more and more data, in order to do the most mundane things. I do what I can to get out of it, but it's tiring having to kick up a fuss over every little thing. Today I went to pick up something from the good guys. Even with the order note and a copy of the paypal receipt, they still demand a drivers license to collect what you paid for. I showed it to her with the condition she didn't write down the number. Then she gave me the page to sign. Now, that page was full of the details of all the people who came before me, and 9/10 used a drivers license. It wouldn't have been hard to grab a copy of those details at all.

    A week ago at Big W, they asked for a license to return some sheets. I said I didn't have one. It worked that time, but I don't think it will work forever.

    Scariest example has been an Auto Wrecker. On entrance, they ask for your drivers license, and scan it, front and back. Refuse to hand it over, no entrance. How messed up is that?

  • Belistic on 02/11/2016 - 07:25
    +2

    I have an issue (I know, if I don't like it, don't go) with clubs and pubs etc, holding onto my drivers license.
    I understand why they do it, but at all the clubs I've asked, no one can tell me if they're stored securely and for how long.
    The local Good Guys write licence details on paper kept in an A4 folder.

    Slightly off topic, I find it irritating when I have to provide my details for a refund that the store assistant made, not me.

    • blitzzbargain on 02/11/2016 - 21:26

      That's the reason why we should have proof of age card for clubs entry and other proof of identity required access/activities such as Collecting purchased goods, house inspection etc. instead of using our driving license.
      In my opinion, PoA card is less sensitive compared to DL eventhough personal information on both cards are the same except card number.
      Driving license is usually used for credit check not proof of age id.

      Hopefully it makes sense.

  • StewBalls on 02/11/2016 - 08:33
    +3

    Well, if it makes you feel any better about data security, I'm a blood/marrow donor & the ABMDR has just kindly sent me a TXT (yes, very official) to inform me that my personal information (along with an unspecified number of other donors) has just been accessed by unauthorised persons unknown.

    No good deed goes unpunished, or so they say!

    That said, if an identity thief wants to be me for a week or two, that would be great…I could use the holiday! I could meet them somewhere for coffee on a Monday morning for handover, then pick up the keys & review the progress notes a week or so later! ;)

    • Jebediah_Kerman on 03/11/2016 - 16:50
      +1

      Did you also get an email?

      I was caught up in this as well but got an email.

      The email seemed to imply that there is currently no reason to believe the personal data has been compromised. Instead a copy was placed in an unsecure environment where it 'may' have been compromised. It has since been cleaned up with low chance of anything coming of it.

      • StewBalls on 03/11/2016 - 20:27

        No email, but I got the same SMS twice, so maybe they reckon that balances it out.

        I'm not too worried, none of those details were too sensitive…but I am still waiting on a call from the "B" shift to take the reins for a week or two… ;)

        • Jebediah_Kerman on 03/11/2016 - 22:48
          +1

          Righto. Text of the email is below for anyone interested

          I’m writing to inform you of a recent data security issue at the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. If you have, since 2010, made an online inquiry to donateblood.com.au or been a part of our corporate blood donation program there is a possibility this issue concerns you.

          WHAT HAPPENED?

          On 26 October the Blood Service became aware a file containing donor information was placed in an insecure environment by a third party that develops and maintains the Blood Service’s website. This file contained registration information of 550,000 donors made between 2010 and 2016. Included in the file was information such as names, addresses and dates of birth.

          This information was copied by a person scanning for security vulnerabilities who then, through an intermediary, informed the Australian Cyber Emergency Response Team (AusCERT) with whom the Blood Service has membership.

          With assistance of AusCERT, the Blood Service took immediate action to address the problem. The Blood Service has been in communication with the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

          IDCARE, a national identity and cyber support service, has assessed the information accessed as of low risk of future direct misuse.

          To our knowledge all known copies of the data have been deleted. However, investigations are continuing.

          The online forms do not connect to our secure internal databases which contain more sensitive medical information. The Blood Service continues to take a strong approach to cyber safety so donors and the Australian public can have confidence in using our systems.

          WE TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY

          We are deeply disappointed this could happen. We take full responsibility and we assure the public we are doing everything in our power to not only right this but to prevent it from happening again.

          WHAT DO I DO NOW?

          We understand people will be concerned about this and have established a specific website and email address for people to seek further information or ask questions. A dedicated hotline has also been established if you would like to discuss this with an operator.

          Website: info.donateblood.com.au
          Hotline: 13 95 96
          Email: [email protected]

          We have also arranged access to IDCARE, a national identity and cyber support service, who can provide counselling support from specialist counsellors and information on additional responses that may be unique to your own situation.
          If you would like to access these services please call 1300 432 273 or visit www.idcare.org

          Although IDCARE assessed the information accessed as of low risk of future direct misuse, there is always a risk that individuals could be contacted by cyber criminals and scammers via email and telephone (including SMS).

          Once again we would like to sincerely apologise for what has happened. We appreciate your continued support for Australian patients.

          Yours sincerely,

          Shelly Park

    • ilikeradiohead on 03/11/2016 - 17:28
      +1

      Haha I also got an sms and my Scamdar was going off the charts. Didn't get an email but saw a news article about it later on in the week.

  • blehgg on 02/11/2016 - 10:50

    Don't do it if you can avoid it.

    I've had something similar happen to me at Telstra. A month and a bit and counting, still no resolution. I need to "prove" it was someone else… before they will do anything about it. TIO here I come I guess.

  • Gershom on 02/11/2016 - 11:20
    +1

    Stop being afraid. Just hand over your licence to those institutions and if there ever is any problem deal with it then. Don't spend your life worrying about what might happen, be happy instead. As Abe Lincoln used to say "Most folks are just about as happy as they make up their mind to be."

  • Baysew on 02/11/2016 - 12:04

    There is probably much more of risk handing details to a large financial institution.

    A large institution also have a large number of staff, having access to your details.
    Many of the large banks off shore information to foreign countries.
    There is a plethora of mailing houses, marketing areas, other departments, analysts all with access.

  • davidg444 on 02/11/2016 - 12:05
    +1

    The Privacy Act now imposes obligations on Australian business in relation using government identifiers such as a drivers licence. The obligations are set out in Australian Privacy Principle 9 - see https://www.oaic.gov.au/individuals/privacy-fact-sheets/gene…

    Some might think this is red tape but my own view is that we need more and better of these laws with teeth to counter the scourge of identity theft.

    I understand that financial organisations have some special rights under these arrangements to collect this type of proof of identity information but the law also imposes heavy obligations on how these organisations must secure the information they collect, and how transparent and re-assuring they need to be about their collection methods. You have the right to ask them for the Privacy policy and for details of how they go about protecting your information.

    We recently gave an "up yours" to AirBnb who wanted passport/drivers licence information to verify our identity for taking a holiday accommodation for a few days. Everything seemed wrong there - the upload was over the net to a foreign server and that level of assurance of our identity seemed way out of proportion and relevance to understanding whether we were likely to be a accountable and acceptable guests in short term holiday accommodation. For instance, wouldn't a reference have been more relevant and less risky for us? AirBnb cancelled our booking for failure to "verify" even though we had paid.

    It is one thing to want to disrupt an industry but another to want to disrupt our local laws.

  • Spending2Much on 02/11/2016 - 16:53

    They always check my licence at DM click and collect. I noticed they wrote down the number too…..
    If that information fell into the wrong hands………Imagine the rumours flying round about me then

    • jenkemjunkie on 04/11/2016 - 11:50

      After working in retail back in the day and seeing how careless staff are with these folders. I could probably have multiple identities myself easy. This was Woolworths when people were buying prepaid phones back in the day. I didn't even let Woolworths have a photocopy of my passport or licence for 'right to work purposes' because I'd seen piles of photocopies of other staff just sitting on an open desk in an open room for days. I just conveniently forgot all the time and they gave up.

      I wouldn't take too much solace in they private data practice guidelines corporations and businesses are meant to adhere to.

  • tee123 on 03/11/2016 - 16:25
    +2

    So much reassurance coming into this thread and reading other people being cautious also. I though I was just paranoid

  • jenkemjunkie on 03/11/2016 - 21:20
    +2

    I'm just going to create a fictional drivers licence of a fictional state/country with my picture on it and use that for click and collect. Your average retail peon isn't going to be implementing a rigorous check. As for the nightclubs scanning IDs…stuff that noise. I just won't go.

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