Identity theft occurs where a criminal obtains the personal details of an individual to masquerade as that individual and, typically; transfer funds, obtain cash, secure loans and other financial benefits. The individual is then left to deal with the debts so incurred along with the associated legal implications.
Identity theft can occur when a fraudster gets access to your personal information such as your date of birth, your address, your driver’s licence number and information from utilities, phone and credit union/bank account records.
This can be obtained through:
- Email scams such as those mentioned above
- Similar telephone scams; and
- Theft of your records and/or mail.