New laws to target ID fraud nationwide

STEALING someone's identity will become a criminal offence across the country.

Draft laws aimed at combatting the fraud, which has been exacerbated by social websites such as Facebook, have been introduced to parliament.

Presently, it is only an offence to steal someone's identity in Queensland and South Australia.

Identity theft across the country will be punishable by up to five years jail.

The crime includes a range of offences including using another person's credit card details to stealing their personal information to open bank accounts and take out loans.

AAP