National Consumer Fraud Week 2015

This year’s National Consumer Fraud Week runs from 18-24 May. It’s all about getting smarter with your personal data, and learning how to avoid identity crime.

As a partner of National Consumer Fraud Week, P&N Bank is urging members to take steps to protect their personal information.

Protect your personal details

If your personal details get into the wrong hands, they can be used for:

• making unauthorised purchases on your credit card
• opening accounts for banking, telephone or energy services
• taking out a loan in your name
• carrying out illegal business in your name

You may not even know you have had your identity stolen until you check your bank account, or find out that your credit rating has changed.

To get smarter with your data, follow Scamwatch’s Top 6 Protect Yourself tips:

1. Keep your personal details secure

Lock your mailbox, and shred your bills and other important documents before throwing out

Be careful sharing personal information online, including on social media, blogs and other online forums

2. Think twice about what you say and do in an online environment

If you are making a purchase online, always check that the organisation is who they say they are

Be wary when filling in surveys, entering competitions, and clicking on links or attachments

3. Keep your mobile devices and computers secure

Always use password protection, don’t share access with others (including remotely), update security software and back up content

Protect your Wi-Fi network with a password and avoid using public computers or Wi-Fi hotspots to access online banking

4. Choose your passwords carefully

Set strong passwords using a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols

Don’t use the same password for every account or profile, and don’t share your passwords with anyone

5. Beware of any request for your details or money

Be wary of requests to provide personal information over the phone or online – even if the caller claims to be from a well-known company or government department

Use the phone book or an online search to check the organisation’s contact details – don’t use the contact details provided in the original request

If they are who they say they are, they should be happy to be called back on the company or government department’s advertised main line rather than directly

6. Get a copy of your credit report

You can get a free copy of your report every year to check that no one is using your name to borrow money or run up debts

Find out how to get your free credit report on ASIC's MoneySmart website

What to do if your personal details are stolen

If you think your P&N banking details have been compromised, you should contact us immediately on 13 25 77.

If you think your identity information has been stolen, you can contact iDcare – a free government‑industry service that works with you to develop specific response plans to your situation to reduce risk and impact.

More information

To find out more about how to protect yourself from identity theft, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, visit the SCAMwatch website.