Hi Ozb,
So recently had a house break in and one of the things they got was my wallet with all CCs, debit cards, drivers license, medicare card. I have already cancelled all my cards but what do I need to keep an eye on for identity fraud? How do I keep peace of mind they haven't signed me up to something and I will get a debt collector on my door in 6 months time?
If I'm a victim, am I responsible for any fraudulent credit card or bank transactions?
If you have been a victim of identity crime and your card is still in your possession, you shouldn’t have to pay for anything bought on it without your permission (subject to the terms and conditions of your account).
If your card has been reported lost or stolen, you will usually not have to pay, unless it can be shown that you have acted fraudulently or without reasonable care, for example by keeping your PIN number written down with your card. The same applies to any money lost through fraudulent bank transactions.
The Attorney-General's Department administers a scheme associated with the provision of certificates where an individual or a business is the victim of Commonwealth identity crime.
If you or your business is a victim of identity crime and you have a Commonwealth Victims' Certificate, you may present the certificate and any other relevant information to a government agency or other organisation. The certificate will help support your claim that you have been a victim of Commonwealth identity crime and will allow you to seek assistance in rectifying problems you have suffered as a consequence of the crime. The certificate doesn’t, however, bind an organisation to take action.
Visit the Attorney-General's Department website for more information about Commonwealth Victims' Certificates.
Information retrieved from
https://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/crime-types/fraud/identity…
What to do if you have had your identity stolen
If you think someone has stolen your identity and is committing crimes in your name, you should:
Change your passwords - On your email, social media accounts, online bank log-in, and computer/mobile device log-in. In some cases you will also need to change your email address and close your old account.
Report it immediately to the police - Ask for a copy of the police report as banks and financial institutions will want to see it.
Contact your bank or financial institution - Tell your bank, credit provider or the relevant company what has happened. If any accounts have been opened with your stolen details, ask for them to be closed or cancelled. You may need to ask them to set you up new accounts and PINs.
Inform the relevant government agency or business - If your driver's licence, passport, citizenship papers, Medicare card, birth, marriage and change of name certificates, tax file number, superannuation or pension details have been stolen, let the relevant agency know. Similarly, if your financial documents or investment reports were taken, alert your stock broker, financial planner or fund manager.
Get a copy of your credit report -You should tell the credit reporting agency that you have been a victim of identity theft so they can note it in your file. Check your credit report to see what companies have checked your credit history recently, and let them know not to authorise any new accounts in your name. Get a copy of your credit report from one of these reporting agencies: MyCreditFile.com.au (Equifax), CheckYourCredit.com.au (Dun and Bradstreet) and Tasmanian Collection Service.
Get help from iDcare - iDcare is a free government‑industry service which works with you to develop specific response plans to reduce the risk and impact of identity fraud.
Quoted from https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/scams/other-scams/identity-fra…