Criminal activity in which someone uses a false identity to commit crime can be referred to as identity crime.

Identity crime most commonly relates to identity fraud.

For more information

Download the leaflet Identity crime: When bad things happen to your good name
( 424.96kb) or get a copy from your local police station's Community Programs Section.

Who to contact

If you think you have been the victim of identity crime or you are aware of mail being stolen and used to obtain fraudulent identity:

• report the matter to your local police, or
• call BankSA Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

What is identity fraud?

Identity fraud is the use of a false identity to gain money, goods, services or other benefits. It can include the following types of criminal activity:

• counterfeiting credit cards
• skimming (manually copying numbers or using a magnetic stripe reader) credit cards
• the use of stolen credit cards or credit card numbers.

False identities

False identities are often established by:

• creating a fictitious identity by manufacturing or forging proof of identity documents
• identity theft from an actual person (living or dead) by using stolen personal information or forged or stolen identity documents.

What is identity theft?

Identity theft is stealing your name for the purpose of obtaining money, goods, services or other benefits. This could include:

• opening fictitious accounts in your name at banks, credit card providers or department stores
• accessing your bank accounts and credit cards.

Identity theft often results in fraud by a 'takeover' of the victim's existing bank accounts or by the fraudulent operation of new accounts opened in the victim's name.

What do thieves actually steal?

Identity thieves steal information containing your personal details, for example bank and credit account statements, utility accounts, driver's licence or other identifiers.

They can obtain this information from your letter box or rubbish, or by asking for it over the phone or internet.

How does identity theft affect you?

If you are the victim of identity theft you may have difficulty in undoing the damage that has been caused to your name, reputation and credit rating. Correcting this damage with banks, financial institutions and other agencies is often a time consuming and frustrating process.

What you can do/preventing identity crime

There are a number of simple things you can do to stop identity theft and fraud. Security of personal and business information is critical.

Mail delivery and letter box security

Guard your mail from theft:

• Make sure your letter box is secure. A padlock is a simple but effective idea.
• Make sure your letter box is suitable to cover your mail needs.
• Empty your letter box every day
• If you are going to be away from home, ask a trusted friend or neighbour to empty your letter box, or organise for Australia Post to hold you mail when away.
• Consider using a Post Office Box if you are away regularly or if you often receive important personal documents.

Destroying old accounts

Thieves rummage through rubbish bins looking for personal identifying information that they can steal, for example old bank statements, credit account statements and utility accounts (eg gas, water, electricity, telephone).

Remember to:

• Shred, rip up or otherwise destroy confidential and personal documents
• Never put confidential or personal documents into a recycling bin
• Never throw confidential or personal documents into rubbish bins without destroying them.

Giving personal information

Be careful who you give personal information to. If you do have to reveal your personal information, ask some questions about the security of the information. Be very cautious about giving any information out over the telephone or internet unless you know who you are dealing with.

Carrying information

Don't carry identification such as your birth certificate or unnecessary cards in your wallet or purse in case they are lost or stolen.

Carefully check your bank and credit card statements to make sure there are no unauthorised transactions - this may be the first sign that someone has stolen your identity.