Identity theft crime happens when someone uses a stolen, manipulated, or assumed identity to commit fraud or other crimes. It can involve creating a new identity, false identity, or using stolen information to impersonate someone else.
Identity Theft Crime and You
Criminals can start using your identity with some basic details, such as your name, date of birth, address, myGov details and TFN. If your identity is stolen, it can take a long time to fix and you could face financial problems. You may also have problems getting a job or a loan, renting a house or applying for government services or benefits.
Identity thieves can take your details by:
- Stealing purses, wallets, mail or mobile phones
- Sifting through your household rubbish
- Asking for your tax file number (TFN) as part of a fake job recruitment process
- Reading what you have shared on an online social networking site
- Asking questions while pretending to be from a government department or bank offering to help you complete a tax return or other official document
- Luring you to click on a web link or email that captures your details.
