A new free online tool to help New Zealanders protect themselves against identity theft was launched today.

'This interactive tool is like a multiple choice quiz,' says Privacy Commissioner, Marie Shroff. 'Users can work through a series of questions on eleven different topics: for instance how well they protect information in their wallet, their mailbox or on their computer. The test takes just a few minutes and includes questions such as:

• Do you leave your laptop in your car?
• Do you shred old mail with your name and details on?
• Do you keep your user names and passwords secret?
• Do you use a password on your mobile phone?
• Do you let bar or restaurant staff take away your credit card?'

'Users get a score indicating how open they are to identity theft. They can then check out the simple tips on each topic to help protect themselves better in the future.'

'We're delighted with the very positive feedback that we have had about the online tool from businesses such as banks, and from agencies such as the Police that deal with identity crime. We all know that identity crime is a growing problem around the world, and that it can be very costly and distressing. People need some easy ways to help protect themselves. It's great that the experts in identity crime think that what we have done is useful.'

The identity theft test was originally developed for the Norwegian data protection commissioner who shared it with the Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities (privacy commissioners from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Korea and New Zealand). The Asia-Pacific commissioners then worked together to adapt some of the questions for use in this region. The test is being released today in countries around the Pacific as part of Asia Pacific Privacy Awareness Week.

'International privacy commissioners are increasingly pooling their resources and expertise to develop information like this to assist the public,' says Mrs Shroff. 'This excellent privacy tool is yet another example of how smart and effective it is to work collaboratively with international partners.'

To try out the identity theft self-test tool, go to www.privacyawarenessweek.org and click on the ID theft link.

ENDS

For further information, contact Cathy Henry at the Office of the Privacy Commissioner on 021 509 735

4 May 2010