Online identity theft

Identity theft is a type of fraud. It happens when someone uses your identity to steal personal information, money or other benefits.

Key crime prevention tips

To keep your identity safe online:

limit the information you provide
check your accounts
protect your physical information
protect your electronic information.

About online identity theft

If someone steals your identity, they might use your personal details to:

access your bank accounts or credit cards
open new bank accounts in your name and take out lines of credit
steal your superannuation
access your emails to find out sensitive information
impersonate you on social media, or dating websites or apps.

For more information about identity theft, visit ReportCyber.

Advice to protect your personal information

Take steps to protect your personal information online.

Be careful of what information you give, and who you give it to.
- do not give out personal information on incoming calls. Call the company back using a publicly available number.
- only provide the information you need to. No seller needs your Medicare details or Tax File Number.
- be aware of your surroundings and who might be listening.
Keep an eye on your banking and other accounts.
- check your bank statements for unexpected transactions
- if in doubt, request a Credit Report through the Australian Government
- check your telephone bills for unexpected use
- wherever possible, protect your accounts by using systems that allow you to have more than one password.
Make it difficult for scammers to get their hands on your documents.
- lock your mailbox
- shred bills or other documents that contain your personal information
- use a security stamp to cover personal information before throwing documents in the bin.
Make sure your online presence and data are secure.
- use strong and original passwords
- consider two factor authentication
- do not share your passwords, account numbers and other login details with anyone
- allow automatic software updates on your devices
- only install applications (apps) from your device’s official application store
- avoid using Wi-Fi hotspots
- avoid public computers for online shopping or banking
- do not click on links or download anything sent from people you don’t know
- back-up data regularly to the cloud or an external hard drive
- delete all information from old devices before donating or disposing them.
Be vigilant when making online purchases and transactions.
- check for the closed padlock symbol in the address bar, which shows it is a secure site
- use a secure third-party payment facility
- read the terms and conditions before paying.
Take extra care when using online banking.
- do not open emails or click on links asking for your banking details. Banks never ask for your banking details in emails
- report suspicious emails to your bank
- do not provide your banking information by email
- always log off when you are finished
- regularly check your account transactions.
Be vigilant on your social media accounts.
- limit the amount and type of personal information you put online
- don’t advertise your holiday plans online
- set the security and privacy settings to limit access to your account and check the settings regularly
- regularly update your privacy settings.

If you think your identity has been stolen

If you think someone is using your identity online:

let your bank or financial institutions know as soon as possible
change your account passwords.

Report stolen identity fraud

If your identity has been stolen by scammers, you should report it to police at ReportCyber.

In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000)(opens in a new window).

To help disrupt and follow scam trends, warn others about new scams, and receive advice and support, report your experience to Scamwatch.

Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

Get in touch with ATO if you think someone else is using your personal or business identity.

To find out more about reporting cybercrime visit Report online abuse, cybercrimes, fraud and scams.

Support and resources for stolen identity fraud

If you are a victim of identity fraud, further help is available from counselling and support services.

Scamwatch
The National Anti-Scam Centre has set up Scamwatch to support awareness and reporting of scams. Visit for more information, advice and to report different scams.
IDCARE
Help with advice on scams that involve stealing your identity. This free Australian and New Zealand service can help you limit the damage and recover from the scam. Call 1800 595 160.
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
Report a data breach, make a privacy complaint, or find out about your rights.
Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)
You may be eligible for financial help through the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS). Help can be for counselling, medical expenses, and loss of earnings.
Services Australia Financial Information Service
Visit or call 13 23 00 for a free service to inform and educate you about financial matters.

Your safety

Updated 20 November 2024