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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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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.