• Identity theft is the fraudulent practice of using another person's name or personal information usually for financial gain. According to the Australian Federal Police, identity fraud is the fastest-growing crime, costing Australians up to $4 billion a year.

• Stealing purses, wallets, mail, mobile phones containing identity details or during a burglary.
• Phone calls pretending they are government, bank or other financial institutions seeking information.
• Using computer viruses or "Email phishing" to gain information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy source.
• Searching your bins for bank statements, letters etc.
• Purchasing products on the Internet and disclosing your information on social networking sites.
• Card skimming.
• Impersonating a deceased person by using their identity to carry out fraudulent activities. Identity criminals will note the name, date of birth and address of the deceased from announcements for the death and/or funeral.
  

Identity theft is the most likely type of criminal behaviour older Australians will experience. The effects can be very difficult to recover from, and can financially cripple seniors.

Many incidents of identity theft amongst seniors is not reported due to people feeling ashamed they have fallen victim.

If you know or look after an older family member or friend try to assist them in protecting their identities. It can be often the simple things that can go a long way in ensuring seniors are as protected as you.

A birth certificate helps to establish identity. It's important to safeguard all your identity documents, especially your birth certificate. You need them to:

• Apply for a Senior's Card.
• Register to organise sport.
• Receive social security benefits.
• Proof of identity such as age, nationality.
• Obtain a passport.
• Open a bank account.
• Inherit money or property.
• Hold a Driver's Licence.
• Obtain a Tax File Number.
• Obtain a home loan and purchase a house.
• Getting married.
• Investing opportunities.
  

1. Do you shred personal documents?
2. Do you keep personal documents locked in secure drawers or cabinets?
3. Is your letterbox always locked?
4. Do you ensure there are no personal documents in your car?
5. Do you use Internet Banking?
6. Have you checked your bank accounts recently and any credit transactions?
7. Do you have updated Internet Security?
8. Do you only carry necessary cards and ID in your wallet or purse?

If you have responded mostly NO then you are at a much greater risk of fraud and someone stealing your identity.

• Purchase a PO Box or lockable letterbox.
• Sign cheques with a gel ink pen as it is the only ink that cannot be removed.
• Secure personal documents into lockable storage such filing cabinets with key access.
• Family should be aware of new friends and caretakers.
• If you go on extended holidays ask the post office to hold your mail for you so as to not fill your letter box and ask a neighbour or family member to collect any junk mail or newspapers.
• Use computers for paying bills and banking to reduce paper trails. If you have trouble with computers ask family to teach you.
• Destroy all documents no longer needed such as shredding the documents.
• Give donations to recognised charities not individuals.
• If you have to write down a password or PIN ensure it’s secured somewhere safe at home and not in your wallet.
• Install Antivirus software on your PC and keep it updated regularly.
• Password protect sensitive information on your PC with passwords that include upper and lower case letters and numbers.
• Check your credit history at least once a year.
• Check your billing and account records regularly.

• Give any personal details over the phone to anyone you are unfamiliar with.
• Answer any emails or letters for international lotteries or beneficiaries of estates, etc.
• Click on any links or attachments on unfamiliar emails.
• Keep all your identification and cards in wallets or purses. Take only what is required.
• Disclose any passwords or PINs to anyone.
• Keep birth, death, marriage or change of name certificates in your wallet or purse.
• Store passwords and PINs in your mobile phone.
• Leave any information in your car that can identify you.
• Open any unknown email attachments or links.
  

• Report identity theft without delay to the local police or Crime Stoppers. Report any lost or stolen identity documents including passports, driver’s licences or student cards to the organisation that issued them.
  
  
• If you think someone has misused your certificates which were issued by the NSW Registry, contact us on:
  
  Phone: 1300 655 236 (general enquiries)
  Email: bdm-webmail@agd.nsw.gov.au
  TTY: 9354 1371 (hearing impaired)
  TIS: 13 14 50 (translating and interpreting services)
  

NSW Police Assistance Line: 131 444
www.police.nsw.gov.au

Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000
www.nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

• If you are a victim of identity theft, report it to your local police. The Police Assistance Line can connect you to your local station or arrange for police to attend your location.
  
  
• If you are aware of people engaging in identity theft, report to Crime Stoppers.
  

• Commonwealth Attorney General's Department
  www.ag.gov.au/Identitysecurity
  
  
• Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
  http://www.scamwatch.gov.au