What should I do if my identity has been stolen?

Identity theft can be a stressful, time-consuming and costly experience. Unfortunately, many people don’t realise that their identity has been stolen until it’s too late to protect their Credit Record. If you believe that someone may have used your identity details to fraudulently obtain credit you should act immediately.

Here are some steps you can take:

• Request a copy of your Equifax Credit Report to check that the information relates to applications for credit that you have in fact made

• Contact any credit providers listed on your Equifax Credit Report that you do not know or have not applied for credit with so that they can investigate and take appropriate and prompt action

• Contact Equifax (and other credit reporting bodies) to put a ban on your consumer credit information

• Contact the police and report the crime

 

When dealing with a possible identity theft it is important to keep records of the conversations you have and keep notes, including:

• name/s of the individual

• contact number

• the date you spoke to an organisation

• details of the conversation

 

You should also ask questions to the people you speak to so you can understand the process. Each credit provider may have their own processes for handling fraud. Note these requirements so you can comply.

 

Learn more: OAIC fact sheet on fraud and your credit report