Identity Theft Scams

Identity theft scams involve the use of the victim's personal information to commit fraud. It can occur online, offline or a combination of both. Common credentials targeted include passports, driver licences, Medicare cards and bank account details.

• Lost or stolen identity credentials (e.g. passport, driving licence).
• Mail goes missing or stops arriving at your address.
• Items appear on bank/credit card statements you don't recognise.
• Bills, invoices or receipts addressed to you for goods or services you haven't asked for.

Responding to identity theft

While every case is different, there are some general steps you can take, such as:

• Update and run anti-virus software on all Internet-enabled devices.
• Reset all passwords and PINs.
• Review where you keep your personal information on your devices, such as emails and hard drives and remove unnecessary items.
• Review your existing accounts. Look for unauthorised transactions, changes to settings (for example email forwarding rules), and, if possible, the times and locations your account has been accessed
• Check online accounts for any unknown signed-in devices, note any listed details such as make, model, serial number, IP address, log out all devices and change passwords and all recovery methods (e.g. access codes, security questions).
• Check your credit report to see if someone is accessing credit in your name.
• Contact your financial institution and let them know what has happened and ask how they can assist.

Mitigating the risk of identity theft online

• DO NOT open suspicious texts or emails - delete them.
• Never send money, give credit card or online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you don't know or trust - and never by email.
• Choose passwords that would be difficult for others to guess, and update them regularly.
• Secure your networks and devices with antivirus software and a good firewall.
• Be cautious when using social media and limit the amount of personal information you publish online.
• Be cautious about requests for your personal information over the internet.

Mitigating the risk of identity theft offline

• Secure your personal documents at home and when travelling.
• Put a lock on your mailbox and destroy any documents containing personal information not required.
• Be cautious about requests for your personal information over the phone and in person.
• Order a free copy of your credit report from each credit reporting agency, available every three months.
• Regularly check your bank and superannuation statements.
• Be curious about where your information goes that is collected by organisations - you have a right to know why they are collecting it, how they will secure it, for how long they will keep it, and/or whether they will share it.