Lawyers' and conveyancers' files easy target for identity theft
Identity crime is one of the fastest growing crimes in Australia (ABS 2008 Personal Fraud Survey).
Lawyers' and conveyancers' legal files contain a gold-mine of information for identity thieves - full names, dates of birth, licence details, present and past addresses, rates notices, passport details, banking information.
Practitioners are required to retain files securely and confidentially and, under proposed amendments to federal privacy laws, organisations that don't adequately protect personal information could face fines of up to $110,000.
Despite this serious obligation and professional risk, frequently files are stored on open shelves, in garages, self storage or other off-site locations without appropriate access control and security measures - there's a mismatch between the obligation and the adequacy of the response.
Read more here about this important issue and a better approach to secure long term file retention. |
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Spotlight - AR Walmsley & Co, Windsor NSW
Adrian Walmsley has been in private practice since 1971 and has operated AR Walmlsey & Co in Windsor, NSW since 1975.
Adrian and the firm have gained extensive local knowledge and built a proud reputation in the Hawkesbury area. On the day of his retirement, 28 September 2012, Adrian spoke about his 10 year association with FileSaver and what our services have meant to him and his firm.
The business will be carried on under new Principals, Chris and Linda Bryett, and we look forward to working with them and their team.
We thank Adrian and his wife, Joanna, for their support and wish Adrian all the best for a well-earned retirement. |