Identity criminals get other peoples’ identity details by:

• stealing purses, wallets, mail, mobile phones containing identity details or during a burglary
• pretending they are government, bank or other financial institution representatives seeking information
• offering to complete a person’s tax return or other document that needs their personal details, or
• using computer viruses or email phishing.

Identity related fraud costs Australians more than 2.2 billion every year and is a growing issue in Australia and throughout the world. One of the most common forms of credit fraud is committed by 'stealing' the identity of another individual.

Someone obtains your identity details and uses them to obtain credit for themselves, leaving you with the potential liability for this debt, a damaged credit reputation and the inconvenience of amending your credit file. What should you do to prevent identity fraud?

Here are some steps that you should consider:

• know what is on your credit file
• regularly monitor your credit file
• sign all new credit cards as soon as they are received
• store cards and personal ID items in a secure place
• shred any paperwork that contains your personal details or account details before throwing away
• contact your financial institution immediately if your cards or account details are lost or stolen
• keep your Personal Identification Number(s) confidential and separate from your card
• don't disclose your Personal Identification Number(s) to anyone
• contact the Police, then your credit provider(s) if you discover information on your credit file has been caused by another individual fraudulently using your identity details. Keep notes of all your conversations with these bodies, including names, dates and contact numbers.
  Steps you should take if you fall victim to credit fraud.

Credit fraud is a crime:

• contact the police and report the crime
• obtain a copy of your credit file to confirm someone has used your identity
• contact the credit providers involved and inform them of the fraudulent activity, otherwise they will hold you responsible for any bad debt incurred
• keep notes of all the conversations you have with credit providers, including names, contact number and the date you spoke.

The credit providers will then conduct their own investigations and notify the credit file company of the outcome. The credit file company may remove any fraudulent information from your credit file.