Give scammers the flick

This week (May 18 to 24) is National Consumer Fraud Week, and the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce is calling on all Australians to take a smarter approach to guarding their personal data.

All personal data – including photos, names, addresses, tax file numbers, driver's licence numbers, dates of birth and more – can be used by scammers to open accounts, take out loans and generally carry out illegal business activities under your name.

A determined scammer will use a number of sneaky methods to steal your information. Scammers have been known to pay people to rummage through rubbish dumps looking for bills or bank statements, or to simply steal mail directly from people's letterboxes. They also use the internet to search through public listings, social media profiles and even blog comments to piece together your details.

On a more sophisticated level, scammers create fake websites, fake online surveys and fake competitions with enticing prizes to 'phish' for your information. They also send official-looking emails or telephone you directly, pretending to be from a trusted source such as your bank, telecommunications provider, a government department or even a charity organisation, asking for your details.

Falling prey to identity theft can be both financially and emotionally devastating, and it can take months to reclaim your identity. With that in mind, authorities are urging all Australians to follow SCAMwatch's Top 6 'Protect Yourself' tips:

>> Keep your personal details secure
Your postal mail and your online presence are the first place a scammer will look to piece together your details. Lock your mailbox and shred your bills and other important documents before throwing them out. Be careful sharing information about yourself online, including social media, blogs and other online forums.

>> Think twice about what you say and do in an online environment
Whilst there are times when your personal details are required for legitimate reasons, such as signing up to a new service or buying something, always check that the person or organisation is who they say they are. Stop and think before filling in surveys, entering competitions, clicking on links or attachments, or even 'befriending', 'liking' or 'sharing' something.

>> Keep your mobile devices and computers secure
These are a treasure trove of personal information for scammers. Don't leave yourself vulnerable to a scammer – 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 or provide personal information.

>> Choose your passwords carefully
Passwords are often the only barrier between scammers and your valuable information. Set and use strong passwords which are difficult to guess, and change them regularly. A strong password should include a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols. Don't use the same password for every account/profile, and don't share your passwords with anyone.

>> Beware of any request for your details or money
Scammers will try to trick you into handing over your data by using the names of well-known companies or government departments. If you think it's a scam, DON'T RESPOND. Use the phone book or an online search to check the organisation's contact details. NEVER use the contact details provided in the original request.

>> Get a copy of your credit report
Your credit report contains information on your credit history. 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.

If you think your banking details have been compromised, you should contact your bank or credit union immediately to let them know. If you think your identity information has been stolen, you should contact iDcare – a free government industry service which works with you to develop specific response plans to your situation to reduce risk and impact.

Visit the SCAMwatch website at www.scamwatch.gov.au to find out more about the various forms of identity theft, how to protect yourself and what to do if you've been scammed.