Despite your best efforts, a determined thief may still be able to obtain access to your personal information. Identity theft happens in a multitude of ways, here are some ways it can occur:

Skimming Your credit or bank transaction card details may be stolen when you make a purchase or during use of an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) or Electronic Funds Transfer Point Of Sale (EFTPOS) machine.

i.e. Your personal information contained on your credit or bank card is skimmed (copied) onto a small device and can then be transferred to a blank credit card to be used without your knowledge).

Theft 
Your wallet or bag contain personal identifying information such as your drivers license, credit and transaction cards, Medicare card and other personal documents that may be used to steal your identity.

Your letterbox is easily accessible, with many important documents sent to you such as bank and credit card statements, new cheque books, ATM and credit cards, tax returns and pre-approved credit card offers.

Break-in  
Break-in to your motor vehicle or your home.

Malware
Your computer is vulnerable to intrusion by malicious software which can be downloaded onto your computer a number of different ways.

Hacking
Your personal computer may be hacked, or hackers may get into computers of businesses that hold your personal information.

Scams
You may inadvertently provide your personal information via email or over the telephone to criminals posing as legitimate businesses.

Rubbish
Your rubbish or the rubbish of a business that you have dealt with may be searched and provide a fraudster adequate information to commence stealing your identity.

Mail diversion 
Your mail may be diverted to another address.

Perhaps most unexpected of all, you could have your identity stolen and used by someone you know and trust?a friend, relative or work colleague.

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