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They have my identity information
They have my bank details: What should I do?
I've sent money: What should I do?
They came to my door or got to
me on the phone: What should I do?
They got to me through my computer: What should I do?
They got to me about my health: What should I do?
To protect myself, I want to...
Know the scammer's secrets
Know what to do
Know the law
Know the scams
Scamwatch's Law section
Veda Advantage
Dun and
Bradstreet
What should I do?
If you believe that crime has been committed using
your identity details, report it to the Police immediately.
If you think that a scammer has details of specific
identity documents, like your driver’s licence, passport
or birth certificate, contact the department or agency
that issued the document to you as soon as you can. They
should be able to give you help and advice about what to
do.
If you believe that a scammer has your bank account
details or account information from another company or
organisation, which they could use as identification,
contact the relevant organisation as soon as possible
and arrange to have your account closed, and for an
alternative to be opened.
Most banks and other organisations that hold your
details are concerned about fraud and will be helpful
and understanding. Many have security or fraud
departments and specialist staff who you can talk to if
you have concerns.
You can also contact Credit Reporting agencies. In
New Zealand the main ones are
Veda Advantage
and
Dun and
Bradstreet .
- You can obtain a copy of your credit file from them
to confirm if someone has already used your identity. If
they have, you can contact the credit providers involved
and inform them of the fraudulent activity. Otherwise
they could hold you responsible for any bad debt
incurred.
- You can apply to have a credit alert put on
your credit file. This means that if someone makes an
enquiry on your credit file - you will be alerted via
email. That way, you will know if someone tries to
access credit in your name. Although there is a fee for
an alert, it may save you money in the longer term.
It is a good idea to follow up any conversations you
have with letters, so that your concerns are on record.
Also ask for your letter to be kept on record for future
reference, in case a fraudster tries to use your
identity information in the future.
More information
7 April 2008 - (Word of Advice)
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