How to Avoid “Identity Theft”

Identity fraud is a growing problem for both the Australian and overseas community.

Identity fraud involves a perpetrator taking over your identity (using your personal information and/or identity documents) to apply for credit and open accounts in your name.

The consequences of identity fraud are far reaching and can not only impact upon your financial position, it can damage your personal reputation and credit rating.

 How does someone steal an identity

1. Dumpster Diving - Thieves rummage through rubbish bins searching for personal information.

2. Mail theft - Thieves seek out and steal from unattended/unlocked mailboxes.

3. “Inside” sources - A dishonest service provider with access to personal records.

4. Imposters - Someone who fraudulently poses as a representative who has a “legitimate or legal” reason to access a victim's personal information.

5. Online Data - Thieves access data that consumers share through phone listings, directories, etc.

6. Direct Access to Personal Documents in the Home - Someone gains legitimate access into a person’s home through household work, babysitting, friends, etc.

7. Purse Wallet Theft - Stolen purses and wallets usually contain plenty of credit cards and personal identification.

Identity Fraud Prevention Hints

• Secure your credit/debit cards and personal ID documents in a safe place.
• Destroy any paperwork that contains personal or banking details before throwing them away. This includes old bank statements, credit card bills, utility bills, rate notices.
• Don't unnecessarily carry ID documents such as your passport or birth certificate in case they are lost or stolen.
• Help protect your mail from theft by having a lock on your letterbox.
• Notify Police Credit Union with any changes to your contact address and personal details.
• Make sure you are careful to whom you provide personal information to. If asked to disclose personal information, satisfy yourself about the security of the information and be very careful when asked to provide information over the phone or Internet.
• Ensure that your personal computer has installed the latest anti-virus, anti-spyware software and security patches for its operating system. Update your PC security on a regular basis.
• The Credit Union will never call you and ask you to provide sensitive account information (such as your PIN or passwords). So if you are contacted to reveal this information, it will not be the Credit Union. Report the matter immediately to us by calling 131 PCU (131 728).

Read about Online Security.