Identity theft

Identity theft is a type of fraud that involves using someone else’s identity to steal money or gain other benefits.

Common examples of identity theft methods

Phishing – the scammer tricks you into handing over your personal information.
Hacking – the scammer gains access to your information by exploiting security weaknesses on your computer, mobile device or network.
Remote access scams – the scammer tricks you into giving access to your computer and paying for a service you don’t need.
Malware & ransomware – the scammer installs software on your computer that allows them to access your files or watch what you are doing on your computer.
Fake online profiles – the scammer sets up a fake profile on a social media or dating site and sends you a ‘friend’ or ‘connection’ request
Document theft – the scammer get access to your private information through unlocked mailboxes or discarded personal documents such as utility bills, insurance renewals or health care records.

Warning signs

You receive an email, text or a phone call out of the blue asking you to ‘validate’ or ‘confirm’ your personal details by clicking on a link or opening an attachment. The message contains grammatical errors and is poorly written.
There are unexpected pop-ups on your computer or mobile device asking if you want to allow software to run.
You receive a friend request from someone you don’t know on social media.
You are unable to log into your social media or email account, or your profile has been logged into from an unusual location.
You notice that amounts of money go missing from your bank account without any explanation or an application for a loan or credit card has been declined.

Do not open suspicious texts or emails – delete them.
Verify the identity of the contact by calling the relevant organisation directly – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search. Do not use the contact details provided in the message sent to you.
Never send money or give credit card, online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust and never by email.
Choose passwords that would be difficult for others to guess, and update them regularly. Don’t use the same password for every account, and don’t share them with anyone.
Secure your networks and devices with anti-virus software and a good firewall. Avoid using public computers or WiFi hotspots to access or provide personal information.
Be very careful about how much personal information you share on social network sites. Scammers can use your information and pictures to create a fake identity or to target you with a scam.
Put a lock on your mailbox and shred or destroy any documents containing personal information before disposing of them.