Here is a list of important resources that could be helpful in case of fraud and scams.

 

Local Police

The Australian Federal Police provides an overview of high tech crimes, such as computer intrusion and unauthorised modification of data.

 

Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) leads the Australian Government’s efforts to improve cybersecurity and help make Australia the safest place to connect online with 24/7 worldwide cyber threat monitoring services.

You can seek more information on how to protect yourself and your business online through their website.

 

ScamWatch

Report the fraud or scam to ScamWatch to assist the ACCC in monitoring scam trends and taking action where appropriate, including working with industry and looking for innovative ways to disrupt scams. This also assists in keeping Australians informed about the latest scams in circulation.

Many scammers are based overseas, so from time to time the ACCC may also provide your report to government organisations overseas for the purposes of law enforcement and sharing intelligence about scam activity.

You can seek more information on how to protect yourself and your business online through their website.

 

Requesting a Personal Credit File

For additional identity protection, you can contact a Credit Reporting Agency and request a copy of your personal credit history, you are eligible for 1 free copy every 12 months. There are numerous agencies that provide this service which can be found online just by typing “credit history check” in your web browser. Majority of these companies can register you for an alert service, notification sent to you if an application has been submitted in your name and/ details (this service may carry a fee).

Examples of Credit Reporting Agencies

 

Placing a Credit File Ban

If you think your identity may have been stolen and are not looking to apply for a credit or lending product in the near future, a credit file ban is an option to protect your identity against potential fraudulent activity. Placing a ban on your credit file will prevent credit providers from accessing your credit report as part of a credit check.

Whilst the ban is in place, your credit and personal information can’t be disclosed by a credit reporting body without your specific written permission.

This helps to safeguard against anyone using your information to try and fraudulently take credit out in your name.

For more information on a credit report ban, please visit Equifax's Help Centre.

 

Qudos Mutual Limited trading as Qudos Bank ABN 53 087 650 557 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 238 305. The information in this article is of a general nature and has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the information, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances.

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