PRACTICAL PREVENTION TIPS

Install and keep up-to-date anti-virus and firewall software on your computer.

Never respond to an email requesting confi dential banking details such as your PIN or Internet banking password. Banks will never send you an email asking for personal security details like your Internet banking password or PIN.

Don’t use public computers to complete Internet banking because there is no guarantee that security software will be installed.

Provide only necessary information about yourself.

Destroy personal information such as bills and account statements by tearing, cutting up or shredding before throwing them away.

Lock your letterbox.

Check you’ve received all expected bills and statements.

Sign all credit and debit cards as soon as you receive them.

If you move house, immediately tell your bank, card issuer and other organisations that you deal with.

Securely store personal information at home.

Keep your receipts and thoroughly check your account statements as soon as they arrive.

Don’t leave documents that may contain your personal details (eg, name and address) in the car glove box.

Consider whether it may be safer to use a separate credit card account for online transactions and when you are overseas.

Have passwords, and regularly change them, for your handheld electronic devices, such as mobile phones and electronic organisers.

Read the privacy policy before providing information to any business to ensure you understand how your data will be protected.

HOW WE’RE HELPING

Three organisations are working in partnership on this information campaign aimed at preventing identity theft:

The Australian Bankers’ Association works with its member banks to develop standards designed to reduce identity fraud and coordinates banking industry approaches on security issues which affect bank customers. To prevent fraud, banks use technologies to protect your data, monitor for suspicious activity, communicate with customers and work closely with State and Federal police.

The Australian High Tech Crime Centre coordinates a national approach to combating serious high tech crime.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is the national consumer protection regulator for fi nancial services.

STAY INFORMED  -  STAY PROTECTED

These are some of the key facts about identity theft in Australia. To fi nd out more please visit our website:  www.protectfinancialid.org.au

On the website, you’ll fi nd fact sheets, check lists and other information on fraud and identity theft  prevention.