What to do if you think your identity has been stolen
What to do if your identity documents have been compromised? Identity theft can be a distressing and complex issue. If you or someone you know in Australia has fallen victim to identity theft, it’s crucial to act swiftly to minimise the damage. This article outlines the key steps to take, especially if an identity document such as your passport or driver’s license has been stolen or compromised via a hack event. We also loosely touch on pig butchering scams and their relevance to identity document theft.
Identity document theft in Australia is often perpetrated through various scams, including the increasingly common “pig butchering” scams. Pig butchering scams involve fraudsters building trust with victims over time, often through online platforms, before persuading them to share personal information and send money. This can include sensitive identity documents, which the scammers then exploit for identity theft or other fraudulent activities. Pig butchering scams are sophisticated and can be highly convincing, making it crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited requests for personal information.
My Identity Documents were Stolen or Compromised
Steps to Follow:
Report the Incident:
Report cyber and identity crimes immediately to authorities. In Australia, you can report to ‘ReportCyber‘ and the ‘Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)’.
For stolen or compromised (e.g. via a hack or data leak) identity documents like passports, contact the relevant government department. For instance, contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Australian passports.
Engage with Service Providers:
Notify your banks, financial institutions, and service providers about identity theft.
Change passwords and secure online accounts.
Assess Data Breach and Scam Risks:
Understand the nature of the data breach or scam you’re involved in.
Stay informed about common types of scams, such as travel visa scams, and take preventive measures in the future. Cybertrace posts regular articles about scams and related subjects and is a rich resource for individuals and companies wishing to stay up to date with current scams and tactics.
Contact IDCARE:
IDCARE provides support and guidance for identity and cyber-related issues. Reach out to them for advice.
Monitor Your Credit Reports:
Regularly check your credit reports for any unusual activities or transactions.
Consider placing a credit ban or freeze if necessary.
Stay Informed and Vigilant:
Keep up to date with the latest information on identity fraud and cyber security.
Recovering from identity theft can be challenging, but taking these steps will help you regain control of your personal information and prevent further unauthorised use. Remember, vigilance and prompt action are key in dealing with identity theft.
Who Should I Contact?
In Australia, if various identity documents are stolen or compromised through theft, hack, or data breach, here’s a list of relevant agencies to contact:
Passports:
Contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration:
Reach out to the Department of Transport in your respective state or territory.
Medicare Cards:
Contact Services Australia.
Birth Certificates and Marriage Certificates:
Get in touch with the Births, Deaths, and Marriages Registry in the state or territory where the document was issued.
Tax File Numbers (TFN):
Report to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Credit Cards:
Contact your bank or financial institution.
These agencies can assist with reporting and replacing compromised documents, and in taking further steps to protect your identity.
