Identity Theft: Who’s got your details

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Identity theft, which involves a criminal using another person’s personal information and credentials is one of today’s fastest growing crimes. When it comes to identity theft, you can't entirely control whether you will become a victim.

But there are certain steps you can take to minimise your risk. Share this list with your family and friends to help protect them from this crime:

Keep personal information and important documents in your home in a safe place - especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your home.

Ask about the information security procedures of the businesses you deal with. Ask to see, and read, their privacy policy. Their policy should say who has access to your personal information, why and how it is kept secure. Find out if your information will be shared with anyone else. If so, ask how your information is kept confidential. Ask about the disposal procedures for those records as well.

Be careful giving out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or on the Internet. Identity thieves are clever, and have posed as representatives of banks, Internet service providers and even government agencies to get people to reveal their personal information.

Before you share any personal information, confirm that you are dealing with a legitimate organisation. Check an organisation’s website by typing its URL in the address line, rather than cutting and pasting it. Many companies post scam alerts when their name is used improperly. Or call customer service using the number listed on your account statement or in the telephone book.

Place a lock on your letter box or use a Post Office Box.

Clear your letter box daily. If you're planning to be away on holidays and can't pick up your mail, ask someone you trust to collect your mail for you. You can also use the Australia Post Mail Holding Service.

When no longer required shred all receipts, banks statements, utilities bills and other documents containing your personal information before throwing them out. A majority of our Post Shops sell inexpensive and reliable personal shredders.

Order a copy of your credit report least annually. Go to www.mycreditfile.com.aufor more information.

Place passwords on important accounts.

Check your billing and account records regularly.

If buying goods over the Internet, only buy from secured web sites.

If using Internet banking facilities, ask your bank if they offer a two factor authentication service.

Protect PINs and passwords – do not write them down, do not share them and do not make them easy to guess.

Beware of people ‘shoulder surfing’ you when using ATMs – they may be trying to read your PIN.

Purchase firewall and anti-virus software for your home computer;

If disposing of your home PC, remove data by using a strong ‘wipe” utility program – do not rely on the “file delete” function to remove sensitive information.