Consumer News

Be on your guard against identity fraud

20 January 2017

By Tim McKibbin – REINSW CEO

A recent report released by the Minister for Justice revealed that identity crime is one of the most common crimes in Australia and has an estimated annual economic impact of over $2.2 billion.

One of our members was recently defrauded of nearly $1,500 after receiving a request by email from a landlord to change their bank details. 
 

It only later transpired that someone had hacked into the landlords email account and also duplicated their signature on the change of bank details form which they had to fill in to update it.

The only solution to avoid falling victim is to be vigilant. I recommend installing a lock on your letter box to avoid your personal details being stolen, and destroy any letters with your details on them prior to putting in the bin.