Identity theft

Methods of identity theft:

• Phishing: sending e-mails from your bank asking for passwords. In Australia we have lost a lot of money to identity theft in the last 10 years.
• Phone calls: Calls from your company saying someone has broken into your account and ask for your passwords.
• steal you wallet which usually has drivers licence, money, credit cards and personal info.

Other methods:

• Dumpster diving: thieves go through your trash for personal info in e-mails you have deleted
• Change of address: thieves change your address so all your mail goes to them.
• Mail theft: Stealing your mail from your front door out of your letter box
• Overlay: thieves can install things into ATM's so when you insert the card the information is sent straight to them.

Bad things that can happen if your identity is stolen:

• Thieves can take money out of your accounts and leave you in debt.
• They can go on a shopping spree with your money
• They can ruin your reputation for when you are trying to get a job.
• Give you a bad driving reputation.

Behaviours that can deter thieves from stealing your identity:

• Not have any accounts or passwords in the first place
• Cancel credit cards and other things if stolen
• Get identity theft prevention programs or software protection
• Protect purse and wallet at all times
• Monthly check credit card usage
• Cancel credits you aren't using
• Shred personal documents