Identity Fraud and Identity Theft
- Ensure that your computer has the latest anti-virus, anti-spy ware software and security patches for its operating system. Update your PC security on a monthly basis.
- Make sure you destroy or shred correspondence containing personal information.
- Lock away items that reveal personal details, particularly in share accommodation. Don't unnecessarily carry ID documents such as your passport or birth certificate.
- Lock your letterbox to help avoid your mail being stolen to obtain your personal details.
- Read your account statements, mail and bills and look for any irregular activity.
- Regularly review your credit file to ensure that the information is correct. Ongoing monitoring services may be obtained from credit reporting agencies. Check with them for availability and cost.
- If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, notify us immediately on 13 13 86 and any other credit providers/financial institutions, police, utility providers and credit reporting agencies. Notify the three main credit reporting agencies, Equifax (formerly VEDA 13 83 32), Illion (formerly Dun & Bradstreet Credit Bureau 13 23 33) or Experian (1300 783 684) and report the possible theft and misuse of your identity to them. Request a copy of your credit file from both agencies and review for fraudulent activity such as payment defaults that you have not incurred, or credit enquiries relating to fraudulent credit applications. Obtain the report again a few months later to further check entries against fraud. Request any information on the file relating to fraud be removed.