What Should Victims do?
If you are suspicious that you or another member of your family has been a victim of Identity Theft there are some things you should do straight away.
1) Report the Incident to the police so they can investigate the matter for you.
- Local State or Territory Police
- Australian High Tech Crime Centre (www.ahtcc.gov.au)
(02) 6246 2101 - Crimestoppers (www.crimestoppers.com.au)
1800 333 000 / 1800 005 555 (Tas) - The Australian Crime Commission (www.crimecommission.gov.au)
1800 088 225
2) Contact your Bank or financial institution and ask them to block any more transactions by closing or suspending your account. For more information you can also try:
- The Australian Bankers Association (www.bankers.asn.au)
3) Examine Financial Records and see if you can spot any transactions you did not make.
4) Notify the Post Office if you feel your mail has been tampered with or redirected.
5) Call the Phone Company if your phone has been stolen or unauthorised calls are being made.
6) Check with Government Departments such as:
- Federal Privacy Commissioner (www.privacy.gov.au)
1300 363 992 - Australian Tax Office (www.ato.gov.au)
13 28 61
Remember it is important to keep as many details as possible about what has happened to make it easier for the authorities to help you out. Document everything you can.