Identity Theft Investigation

Identity theft involves using someone else's personal information to steal money or gain other benefits fraudulently. Equipped with your details, the thief may attempt to:

• Use your credit cards or drain your bank account;
• Open new bank accounts or take out lines of credit in your name;
• Withdraw your superannuation;
• Collect sensitive information from your emails; or even
• Pose as you on social media, dating websites or other online platforms to scam other users.

Yes. Identity theft in the US is a type of fraud that occurs when an offender steals their victim's personal information to access money or other personal benefits, such as a passport, clean criminal record or insurance coverage.

To commit identity theft, a criminal may steal sensitive information, such as your:

• Full name;
• Place of birth;
• Date of birth;
• Home address;
• Passport information;
• Personal identifier such as a tax file number;
• Driver's licence number;
• Credit card details;
• Health insurance details; and
• Bank account logins

Armed with your personal information, a criminal can access your:

• Online government portal, email and social media accounts; and
• Existing bank account and make purchases with your credit card.

But the damage does not always stop there. A thief can also apply for a:

• Credit card, loan or bank account in your name;
• Passport in your name;
• Government benefit in your name;
• Driving licence and register a vehicle in your name;
• Job in your name; and
• Mobile phone and/or other utility contracts in your name.

Consequently, this crime can wreak havoc on your life and should be reported as soon as you suspect any suspicious activity.

There are several measures you can take to help prevent identity theft:

Set highly-secure passwords

Only use long passwords that feature a combination of numbers, symbols, capital letters and lowercase letters. Never use the same password for multiple accounts.

Shred all sensitive documents

If you want to throw away any letters that contain personal information, such as those sent by your bank, super fund or employer, make sure to shred them first.

Be wary of public computers

After using a public computer, always clear your internet history and log out of all accounts. Refrain from using shared or public WiFi whenever possible.

Don't overshare on social media

Be conscious of what information you post on social media, especially if you have a public profile. Otherwise, fraudsters could learn where you live, work and more.

Use security software

Download virus protection software on your computer to prevent hackers from stealing your details if you click on a phishing fraudulent link or visit a scammer's website.

Review your bank transactions regularly

Review your bank statements for unusual transactions frequently. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, discuss it with your bank as soon as possible.

Check your credit report

You can contact your credit reporting agency to request a copy of your credit report and check whether your personal details have been used fraudulently.

It is also possible to freeze access to your credit report, which would temporarily ban credit reporting agencies from supplying its information to credit providers while you recover from identity theft. This block won't impact your current credit line or credit payments, so long as your credit card remains valid.

If you suspect that you have been targeted by identity thieves, you must follow the below steps immediately:

• Report the theft to your financial institution and social media platform provider so that each is informed and can help you take the appropriate next steps.
• Report the scam to the Police or via your national fraud reporting portal (for example: USA – www.ic3.gov, UK – www.actionfraud.police.uk, Australia – www.cyber.gov.au, Canada – www.antifraudcentre.ca)
• Notify your tax authority. For example, identity theft in the US should be reported to the FTC as it is a tax-related security issue.
• Seek support from resources like IC3 for personal practical and behavioural support
• Update your online account passwords and shut down any unauthorised accounts.
• Contact CFTC investigators for assistance in tracking down and stopping the culprit behind the crime. This is a sensitive, high-stakes process that demands the expertise and resources of investigative specialists.

Identity theft investigations typically take between one and three months. However, this time frame depends on your case's complexity and whether or not legal action is involved.

Once the thief has been identified and located, CFTC investigators can support law enforcement officials in filing search warrants and/or criminal charges against them – an often complicated procedure that can take considerable time to complete.

The cost of an identity theft investigation varies according to the complexity of the case, the damage incurred, and the jurisdiction in which the crime was committed.

At CFTC, our investigators present a tailored proposal for each case, detailing the recommended budget to maximise the likelihood of a successful outcome.

The more admissible evidence we gather against the thief, the greater the likelihood that you will be able to take legal action and get your life back on track.

However, as a successful outcome is never guaranteed, CFTC will conduct a preliminary assessment of your case to advise on the realistic chances of finding the criminal. Equipped with this expert insight, you can decide whether or not you wish to proceed with the investigation.