Identity Theft

What is identity theft?

Identity theft happens when fraudsters collect enough information about someone’s identity to commit fraud. This information can include:

• Their name
• Date of birth
• Current or previous address

Fraudsters open accounts, apply for credit and order goods or services which can leave the innocent party responsible for the debt.

They can also take over your personal accounts, order new cards and re-register for online banking to allow them to make payments to their own accounts. Identity theft can take place whether the fraud victim is alive or deceased.

If you’re a victim of identity theft, it can lead to fraud. Identify fraud can have a direct impact on your personal finances. It can also make it difficult to get a loan, credit card or mortgage until the matter is resolved.

How to protect yourself from identity theft:

• Always dispose of documents containing personal information securely.
• Update your passwords regularly to ensure your account is as safe as possible.
• Never write your full personal details or account details in an email to us, or anyone else.

Tips to keep yourself safe on social media

An easy way for fraudsters to find information about you is on social media. Fraudsters use social media to gather information about victims including addresses, names and check-in locations.

• Try not to overshare personal information on social media, especially if your profile is public.
• Review your social media privacy settings regularly, including updating passwords on phones and personal computers.
• Before you post online, remember to consider if it could make you susceptible to fraud.