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Why is this only a problem in the US? I think that one of the reasons is that the US does not have a central government registry of all the people. In Austria

Why is this only a problem in the US? I think that one of the reasons is that the US does not have a central government registry of all the people. In Austria, we have the „Melderegister“. Every person that stays in Austria is required to register the address of their current residence. Your name and address is always in this registry, from the day you are born until you die (foreigners residing in Austria are also required to register). Everything relies on this registry — voting rights, taxes, etc. I think that Banks can check this register to verify your address. So even if an identity thief is successful in applying for a credit card, that credit card would be mailed to the victims actual address, so the identity thief would have to intercept postal mail as well. So many problems that I read about in the US (using utiliy bills to proof you are a resident, registering to vote) just sound like a clumsy workaround to the fact that there is no „Melderegister“.

aryehof 9y ago
Countries like Australia do not have a central government registry of all people, unlike most countries, including those in Europe. Each State does have a register of all births and deaths. There is no national ID. It surprises many that one is free to carry NO identification. One can decide to not work (get a tax number), not drive (get a drivers license), not travel (get a passport), not get free healthcare (get a medicare card), not vote (evade census'). Unlike most countries, one doesn't need to register or let anyone know where you live, and there is no national service (conscription). It also has very little identity fraud.
stefs 9y ago
why does the US not have a central registry? is it for historical/cultural reasons, i.e. the dislike of "(big) government" by certain groups? also, how would one get around the problem for homeless people or people without a permanent residency?

aryehof 9y ago

Countries like Australia do not have a central government registry of all people, unlike most countries, including those in Europe. Each State does have a register of all births and deaths. There is no national ID. It surprises many that one is free to carry NO identification. One can decide to not work (get a tax number), not drive (get a drivers license), not travel (get a passport), not get free healthcare (get a medicare card), not vote (evade census'). Unlike most countries, one doesn't need to register or let anyone know where you live, and there is no national service (conscription). It also has very little identity fraud.

stefs 9y ago

why does the US not have a central registry? is it for historical/cultural reasons, i.e. the dislike of "(big) government" by certain groups? also, how would one get around the problem for homeless people or people without a permanent residency?