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.

Common signs of identity compromise and misuse

• 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.

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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.

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