Conference papers

Defrauding governments in the twenty-first century

Russell Smith
Australian Institute of Criminology

Presented at:
The future and criminology : new solutions for old problems or old solutions for new problems? : 14th annual ANZSOC conference
University of Western Australia, Perth
28-30 September 1999

Abstract

Throughout the developed world, governments have found that considerable benefits can be derived through the delivery of services electronically. Not only are people able to respond to official requests for information via computers, but they can request the payment of benefits and receive funds by way of electronic transfers made directly to their bank accounts. In addition, computer technologies now play a critical role in the daily activities of public servants. This paper examines how these developments are able to be put to improper use and how the continued expansion in the use of computer technologies by government agencies will create additional risks of illegal and fraudulent conduct in the future. A variety of solutions to the problem, some new and some not-so-new, are also described.