What to do if you are a victim of identity theft

Identity theft can happen the moment somebody steals your personal details. Here's what to do if you think your identity has been stolen.

Identity theft can happen the moment somebody steals your personal details. If you think your personal details have been stolen you should:

1. Change your passwords

Consider all your accounts, including online banking, computer log-in, mobile log-in, email, and social media. You may have to consider completely closing your email account and creating a new address.

2. Report it to police immediately

Report the crime to police immediately and ask for a copy of the police report, as you will need to provide this to banks and financial institutions.

3. Contact your bank or financial institution

Discuss whether you need to close any accounts you did not open, and whether you need to set up new accounts and PINs for your existing accounts.

If you need to get in contact with Heritage to report a scam, contact us on 13 14 22 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit our Latest Security Alerts page for more information.

4. Inform relevant government agency or business

You will need to contact the agency or business relevant to the documents that were stolen.

5. Get your credit report

Contact a credit reporting agency such as Equifax, or get a free credit report from ASIC and advise them you have been a victim of identity fraud. You can check your credit report to find out what companies have checked your credit history recently, and advise them not to authorise any accounts in your name. You may also consider placing a temporary ban on your credit report meaning they cannot share your report with any credit providers without your consent.

6. Contact IDCARE

IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber support service. It is a free government-industry service which will work with you to develop a response plan to reduce the risk and impact of identity theft.

7. Apply for a Commonwealth Victims’ Certificate

A Commonwealth Victims’ Certificate can be provided to businesses or government agencies to help support your claim that you have been a victim of identity theft.

Read Tips to avoid identity theft to find out how to keep your personal information safe.

Share this

How to choose the right credit card as a student

 Finder Money Expert Zahra gives her tips on what to look out for in credit cards for students. 
Learn more

Tax return tips

Before you lock in your tax return spending, here's a few ideas to consider.
Learn more

Returning to study: things to consider

Returning to study is a big decision to make, with lots of things to consider financially. Here's four things to think about to get you started.
Learn more

How much does it cost to keep a pet?

Prepare for your newest family member by finding out the costs you'll need to consider.
Learn more

Your first graduate job: 5 Money Tips

Starting your career after university is an exciting time. Here's five money tips to consider as you launch into your next chapter.
Learn more

What is a digital wallet?

A digital wallet allows you to pay with your phone in-store and online. 
Learn more

Australian savings behaviour

Find out how you compare when it comes to saving money in Australia.

Learn more

How to choose the best savings account for you

Saving throughout your lifetime is important, so making sure you have the right account is key.
Learn more

How to teach kids the difference between needs and wants

Psychologist and mum, Ellen Jackson, shares 4 strategies to help you explain this challenging and important topic with your kids.
Learn more

How to create a weekly budget

If you’re trying to save money, budgeting is a great first step. Here's how to create a weekly budget.
Learn more

Is a balance transfer right for you?

A balance transfer can help you to manage your debt by rolling credit card debt from one or more cards over to a new card.
Learn more

How to avoid paying credit card interest and late fees

Understand how to avoid any extra fees and interest charges so you can make the most of your card.
Learn more

Mowing lawns for money

If you're old enough and your parents agree, mowing lawns for your neighbours might be a great way to earn some extra pocket money.
Learn more

Are you a savvy saver: take our quiz

Being a savvy saver can reduce your stress in many ways, from eliminating the risk of having bad credit to giving you the peace of mind of knowing you are prepared for a rainy day.
Learn more

3 Things to Help Buy Your First Home Sooner

Buying your first home can be a great challenge. Here's 3 things to help get you into your first property sooner.
Learn more

Six of the best winter recipes under $4 per serve

Have you found yourself spending a little more money this winter? Dinner time could just be the opportunity for you to straighten out your weekly spend.
Learn more

4 cheap and healthy school lunch ideas

School is about to start which means it's time to think about those back to school lunches. We've put together a list of healthy school lunches for your kids to enjoy.
Learn more

3 ways to make back to school shopping easier

Between school uniforms, stationery, sporting equipment and instruments it can be an expensive and busy time for many people. Here's 3 ways to make back to school shopping easier.
Learn more

5 ways to celebrate Christmas on a budget

Between parties, family gatherings, food, presents, travel and other festive activities, the amount you spend can creep up on you easily over Christmas – something many people can find stressful once it’s all said and done. Here's 5 easy ways to celebrate Christmas on a budget.
Learn more

Aussies Parents' Guide to Pocket Money

Children and pocket money are the source of a lot of debate between parents. How much should you give them?
Learn more

Cheap and fun Easter holiday activities

Between activities, entertainment, and trips away, the cost of school holidays can quickly add up. Here's 3 cheap and fun activities to try these school holidays.
Learn more

How to make money selling your stuff online

Interested in making a bit of cash? Follow our easy 4-step-guide to selling stuff online to declutter your home and make some money while you're at it.
Learn more

Save money with a financial health check

Doing a health check on your expenditure is a great way to find savings. Here's a list of financial and service products to check.

Learn more

Save money for next Christmas now

Are you nursing a hangover from all the costs of Christmas? By saving for next Christmas now you could help ease the pressure when it comes to all of the costs that come with the festive season.
Learn more

3 things to do when you start a new job

If you're gearing up to start a new job there's a number of things you'll need to do to prepare. Here's 3 things to look at from a financial perspective.
Learn more

Top 6 Christmas saving tips From Pinterest

Christmas can be an expensive time. While it is easy to get caught up in the festive feeling, it is also important you come into the new year without the stress of debts piling up from the holiday season.
Learn more

How to improve your debt situation

From reviewing your budget to keeping an eye on interest rates and talking to your lenders, here's 6 ways to help you improve your debt situation.
Learn more

How far do Aussies go to save a dollar?

From reusing teabags to saving the sauce from fast food restaurants, we’ve uncovered some surprising tricks Aussies use to save a dollar.
Learn more

5 ways to feed the family on a budget this Christmas

Christmas can be an expensive time of the year. Feed the family on a budget this Christmas with these 5 ideas.
Learn more

Christmas money saving tips

From rebranding Christmas cake to revising your budget - we've found the best cash saving tips this festive season
Learn more

Cheap Gift Ideas For Any Occasion

Giving a thoughtful gift to your loved ones is incredibly important, but it can add up. Discover these cheap gift ideas for any occasion. 
Learn more

Things To Consider Before Moving Out Of Home

Moving out of home for the first time is extremely exciting but there are some things to consider. 
Learn more

Guide to surviving the Boxing Day sales

Learn more

Baby budget planner

Planning for a baby is never an easy task. You can ease the financial burden, however, with the help of this handy budget planner!
Learn more

Top 10 everyday money saving tips

By cutting back on small spends throughout your week and even day you could save a significant amount of money in a year. Here's some ideas.
Learn more

How to transfer money internationally

Sending money overseas may seem a bit tricky if you've never done it before, but we've got some tips to get you started.
Learn more

7 tips on how to budget and save

Reviewing and setting out a budget can feel overwhelming. Here's 7 tips to help review (or create) your budget from home.
Learn more

Home and Personal Loan Redraw

We explain how redraw works and how you can access your extra loan repayments with Heritage.
Learn more

The Aussie guide to pocket money

Aussie kids are earning more than ever in 2015. Find out how families are handling pocket money in their households via our handy infographic.
Learn more

Lending interest rates explained 

Whether it be for a home, car or other personal loan, what do the rates you see advertised actually mean?
Learn more

How much do Aussie families spend on back to school costs?

How do you compare to other Aussie families when it comes to back to school spending?
Learn more

How to save on back to school costs

 Here's some simple tips to help prepare for and save on your back to school costs.
Learn more

Understand your credit card's interest free period

By understanding your card's interest free period, you can make sure your card (and money) is working for you in the best way possible.
Learn more

Switching behaviour in Australia

We teamed up with the University of Technology Sydney to carry out an Australia-wide study on switching.
Learn more

How to save more money

Save more money, reach your goals sooner and feel more in control of your finances with our online guide.
Learn more

10 top budgeting tips

Budgeting effectively is a great way to help improve you financial position. Check out this handy infographic for 10 of the best budgeting tips. 
Learn more

Ten healthy, kid-friendly meals for under $10

Healthy, cheap and kid-friendly is the holy grail of family cooking. Here are 10 favourites to tick all those boxes.
Learn more

Why saving at a young age is important

By saving money at a young age, kids are able to put aside funds that may help them in the future, and gradually add up to a significant amount.
Learn more

What is a customer owned bank?

The customer-owned model focuses on delivering great value to customers, not on profits for shareholders.
Learn more

Could a personal loan fund your degree?

Learn more

7 ways to save for your next holiday

Saving up for a well deserved holiday can take time. Read our list of the seven small changes you can make to your everyday spending to get away sooner.
Learn more

How to shop online safely

Here's five things to consider before making an online purchase.
Learn more

How to save without trying

Saving money doesn’t have to be hard. With these tips, you could be saving almost $20,000!
Learn more

Mobile apps to help you become a better budgeter

Wanting to take your budgeting and financial accountability to the next level? Here's some of the best budgeting apps on the market.
Learn more

2 easy steps to get financially fit

Looking at improving your financial health? Here's 2 easy things to consider doing.
Learn more