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Inquiry into Fraud and Electronic Commerce: Final Report

NCJ Number
203892
Date Published
January 2004
Length
438 pages
Annotation
This report focuses on fraud committed by individuals, with particular attention given to identity-related fraud and credit card fraud that relate to electronic commerce.
Abstract
Fraud and white-collar crime have far-reaching effects on the community, not only in terms of the financial impact on business and government, but also because of the effects on individuals who are victimized. It is estimated that these crimes cost Victoria as much as $641 million in 2003; money which could be better used for essential community works in promoting health, education, and security. Risks of fraud associated with the use of electronic communications and computing technologies that support so-called electronic commerce, have retarded the development and implementation of electronic commerce globally. It was the purpose of this inquiry to examine the trends in this area, and to look at how Victorian law and policy can best respond to these wide-ranging issues. By reviewing the topic and identifying key issues for discussion, the present study will help to ensure that Victoria’s response reflects best practice and is in accord with measures implemented in other places in response to these global concerns. In this report, the Drug and Crime Prevention Committee established by the Victoria Parliament considered many aspects of fraud prevention and control. The report has 11 chapters that discuss these aspects: Chapter 1 -- Introduction; Chapter 2 -- The Nature of Fraud in Victoria; Chapter 3 -- The Extent of Fraud in Victoria; Chapter 4 -- Fraud Risks of Electronic Commerce; Chapter 5 -- Prevention Policies and Codes of Practice; Chapter 6 -- Prevention Procedures and Technologies; Chapter 7 -- Information Services and Registers; Chapter 8 -- Detecting and Reporting Fraud; Chapter 9 -- Investigating Fraud; Chapter 10 -- Legislative and Judicial Response; and Chapter 11 -- Conclusion: Key Issues for the Future. Recommendations proposed by the committee are provided in relevant chapters; a complete listing of the recommendations is provided in Appendix H. Tables, figures, list of abbreviations, acknowledgements, appendices, bibliography