I have been given some information about identity fraud that is very important to know in this day and age. It is a horrible thought that somebody in Indonesia is running round with my debit card and master card. Both copied from a skimming machine. The fraudsters have even requested me as a friend on Face book. I went to check it again though the request is removed. (prob trying to get more info to activate my card) they went to use my debit card they selected chq account by mistake. My card then was alerted to fraud squad. If I had been daft enough to make a friend on face book they could then find out your personal details, birth date, and everything else. This is a long post as I have copied and pasted some info from WA Police. Untill it happened to me I was very unaware of how serious things like this can be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! please share if you wish WA POLICE WEB SITE INFORMATION What is identity theft? It is where a person has stolen and used personal information or assumed a pre-existing identity, with or without that person’s permission, and in the case of an individual, whether the person is alive or dead. Businesses may also be victims of identity theft. Having your identity stolen can be devastating. Quite often your stolen identity documents are used by the offender for opening and operating fictitious bank accounts in your name or accessing your bank accounts. The sort of documents offenders steal are credit cards, driver’s licences, utility bills, bank and credit card statements, and any other documents containing personal information. How it happens Identity theft can happen in many ways. It can range from someone using your credit illegally, to having your entire identity assumed by another person and business conducted in your name without your consent. Important personal information can be accessed by a determined thief, despite your best efforts. For example: ◾your wallet or purse is stolen with all your identifying cards. ◾your home is burgled and personal documents stolen. Important documents, such as bank statements, credit cards, utility bills and taxation return, are stolen from your letterbox. Mail is diverted to another address without your knowledge. ◾recycle rubbish bins being searched. ◾being the victim of a scam, where you have been conned into providing personal information over the telephone or by email (request for money - advanced fee fraud or phishing). ◾your personal computer may have been compromised with malicious software or hackers / criminals may compromise the computers of businesses that hold your personal information. ◾credit card details may be captured by hidden devices during an ATM or EFTPOS transaction (ATM credit card skimming) or your PIN number may be seen by someone in the queue (shoulder surfing). ◾credit cards may be skimmed at retail outlets or restaurants. What does a criminal do with my personal information? Once a criminal has the information he needs he could for example: ◾apply for a credit card in your name. ◾open a bank or building society account in your name. ◾apply for other financial services in your name. ◾run up debts (e.g. Use your credit/debit card details to make purchase) or obtain a loan in your name. ◾apply for any benefits in your name (e.g. Housing benefit, new tax credits, income support, job seekers allowance, child benefit). ◾apply for a driver’s licence in your name. ◾register a vehicle in your name. ◾apply for job/employment in your name. ◾apply for a passport in your name. ◾apply for a mobile phone contract in your name.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 00:04:35 +0000
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