How to ensure identity theft protection
Identity theft is on the increase, so identity theft protection is required. Identity theft protection guards against the fraudulent practice of unlawful use of another person’s name or other personal information—usually for financial gain. As well as economic interests, identity protection is also central to national security. The misuse of false or stolen identities can not only result in the theft of money, but can also be used for terrorist acts, to breach border protection and citizenship control, and to support financial crime that may include money laundering and terrorist financing. Here are some suggestions that will help you to be better prepared for handling this potentially damaging situation…
1. Be aware of the many ways that identify theft can occur.
Identify theft can occur from somebody using your credit card details illegally to make purchases, through to having your entire identity assumed by another person to open bank accounts, take out loans, and conduct a business in your name. You must guard against your name being used to commit crimes, including carrying out terrorist activities.
2. Stay on the lookout for identity theft.
One of the downsides to the improved communications and the ease of doing business that technological advances have produced, is that fraudsters and other criminals may have more opportunities to obtain details about you, your home, and your personal life. And you may not know that you are the victim of identity theft until long after it has happened. A 2007 survey by The Australian Bureau of Statistics found that 3% of Australian over the age of 15 years experienced some form of identity fraud in the year preceding the survey.
3. Remain alert.
Your identity is a valuable possession and needs to be protected, accordingly. You need to be aware of the many ways that identity thieves can access your personal information. You may lose your purse/wallet or have it stolen, your home may be broken into and personal papers stolen, thieves may steal mail from your letterbox, thieves may retrieve information from your rubbish or recycling bin, you might provide your personal details over the phone or internet, or your details may be sourced through an unauthorized third-party.
