Identity Theft & Identity Fraud

Identity theft and identity fraud are the major growth industries in the criminal world. Identity theft/fraud have become much easier for criminals to utilise because of the propensity of consumers to become recklessly trusting with their data in terms of internet and telephone transactions. Many consumers are fooled into believing that an e-mail from what appears to be their bank, requesting their details for an update of passwords and personal details, is actually genuine. The fact that the e-mail looks genuine does not of itself, guarantee that it is.

Letter boxes left unlocked or of inadequate capacity sometimes see mail exposed to access by anyone looking for a new identity. If we take time to think just what we have mailed to our address, it’s not hard to understand how someone can easily gain a new identity.

Garbage discarded at a residence or business premises can also allow someone to gain your identity or corporate secrets. Think about it, when you receive your bank statement, you discard the envelope. The envelope usually has the name/logo of you bank. This provides an identity thief with your bank brand. Once the thief has other details such as your name, Medicare card that has been sent to your address in the mail, registration renewal and electricity bill, this may then equip them with enough information about you to enable them to call you on your listed phone number pretending to be one of those organisations and convince you they are genuine and request even further details such as passwords. Its not a difficult process, in fact its quite easy. A well rehearsed thief can get almost any information from a trusting naive victim. “Hello, I am Fred Brown from Medicare, your Medicare card has been returned from the address you have provided, (gives correct address) can I just get some details from you and your new address so that we can forward it to you please, for security reasons, what is your date of birth and mothers maiden name please?” “ Can you give me your access code?”

Although you declare you are still at that address, they then insist upon further identification, allegedly so that they can be certain they are not sending it to the wrong person and before too long they have what they need for the next step.

Once someone has gained enough documentation to give them the points required to register your identity, the door is opened for them to access your bank account, forge/duplicate a number of credit cards, apply for a loan and even reproduced travel and drivers license documents.

Although most banks take the responsibility for replacing funds that have been unlawfully obtained by an identity thief, the provision of evidence that it was not you that carried out this theft is sometimes onerous and can turn your life upside down.

Lyonswood can assist you to identify the person/s who have stolen your identity/assets and get you back on track. Lyonswood can also provide you with a strategy that will allow you to minimise the risk of becoming a victim.

Contact Lyonswood Investigations and Forensic Group on (02) 98196833 or info@investigators.net.au