Help For Victims Of Identity Fraud

Identity fraud is an ever increasing concern to the general Australian public. Every year, thousands of us fall prey to criminals who are out to steal our money, our identity and our sanity.

The best line of defence against any sort of crime is always knowledge. This article gives you useful tips on what to do if it is already too late and you have been a victim to identity fraud.

What to do when you have become a victim to identity fraud:

• If your credit card has been stolen, or even worse, your wallet is missing get in touch with your bank or credit card provider to cancel your card/s ASAP. Speed is of the essence here.
• Contact your nearest police station to report the fraud right away.
• It is always a good idea to inform all of your lenders (if you have several cards or loans for example) that your identity has been breached. They can then monitor your various accounts and keep an eye out for anything irregular.
• Get in touch with a credit reference agency and let them know of the identity fraud on your name. These agencies often provide you with helpful steps to protect yourself against future identity fraud abuse.
• If you have been the victim of fraud make sure to keep evidence: You can do so with copies of official police reports, notes, photographs (if applicable) and asking for written confirmation of conversations (transcriptions.) If you have to engage into written exchange between you and official agencies do not send original documents unless asked to. If you are asked to send an original, always send it by certified registered mail.
• Get the help of the police to clear your name: This might involve photographs and fingerprinting to establish your innocence. Unfortunately the victim is often victimised twice because of the follow-up procedures involving police after identity fraud has taken place. You could also involve the help of a lawyer, a local Law Society or Legal Aid in your state.
• Invest into a proper shredder to get rid of your documents in a safe way.

Call Crime Stoppers:

If you want to report a suspected crime or something you’ve seen you can call Crime Stoppers anonymously with no questions asked. You can also report identity theft or identity related crime to Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or visit their website: www.crimestoppers.com.au

Related posts:

1. Protect Your Business From Identity Fraud
2. Our Rubbish Puts Two In Three Australians In Danger Of Identity Theft!
3. 14 pc of Australians have Faced Credit Card Fraud
4. Successfully Disputing Errors On Your Credit Report
5. Australian’s Suffering Credit Card Fraud: What Can You Do?

One Response

1. How To Detect Fraudulent Credit Card Transactions | Credit Card Finder Says:
   December 3rd, 2009 at 3:03 pm

   [...] 5. Despite the maximum $50 liability law, don’t relax. Fraudulent credit card transactions can be a sign of a larger problem, such as identity theft. [...]

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