Five tips for protecting yourself against identity theft

Your identity is a valuable asset that you use for some of the most important events in your life. Going overseas, buying a house or getting married? It’s hard to do if you can’t prove who you are.

Your identity is also valuable to criminals as they can use it to apply for credit in your name; open a bank account in your name and apply for any benefits you may be entitled to, such as tax credits or income support.

So how do we take steps to protect ourselves from this criminal activity and avoid the potential problems that can arise? Here are 5 tips for protecting yourself against identity theft:

1. Limit the personal details that you post on social media: Although it’s always nice to get that barrage of birthday messages, think about restricting the visibility of personal details like your birthdate, email address, home address or telephone number. Too often, it’s easy for scammers to use these details to reset your password on other websites!
   
   Review your privacy settings for each platform. For example, Facebook’s ‘Privacy Settings and Tools’ dictates who can see your posts and look you up on Facebook – and keep your passwords separate. Don’t use the same password for Instagram, Twitter or Facebook that you also use for your banking or email accounts. Having a different password for different sites will mean that if one account is compromised, not all of your accounts are at risk!
2. Secure your mailbox: Letters and bills are full of personal details, so keep them away from prying eyes by installing a lock on your mailbox, and picking up your mail regularly.
3. Protect your PC: Reduce the likelihood of criminals hacking into your PC and accessing your personal documents by installing anti-virus software and updating it regularly.
4. Destroy your personal documents before disposal: It’s easy for criminals to rummage through your rubbish bin on the street, so use a shredder to destroy anything containing your personal details.
5. Be careful about responding to requests via email or phone to provide personal details: It could be a scam – if you are in any way suspicious ignore or delete the request.

How do you know if you are a victim?

You might notice something unusual turn up in the mailbox such as a new credit card or bill for a new mobile phone that you are unfamiliar with; you may apply for a loan and get an unexpected decline; you may notice unusual transactions on your account; perhaps you are entitled to certain government benefits but are advised that you have already received them – these are just some indications that you are a victim of identity theft.

If you suspect someone is using your identity, report the matter to the police and contact your bank and any other institutions where you believe your identity has been used. It may also be a good idea to request your credit report as this will indicate if your identity has been used to apply for loans in your name.

For more information visit the Department of Home Affairs website.