Protect your personal information and privacy
The best way to protect your personal information and privacy is to stay informed, be prepared and alert.
Why is it important to protect your privacy?
Privacy protection is about maintaining control over your personal information, choosing who sees it, and how it's used.
Identity theft facts:
- 1 in 4 Australians will experience identity theft.
- Victims lose an average of over $4000.
- The impacts can be devastating, impacting mental health.
What personal information do scammers want?
Scammers aim to collect 'personally identifiable information' that confirms your identity. This includes:
- Name and family details
- Birthdate
- Contact information
- Financial records
- Online profiles
- Identity documents (driver licence, passports, certificates etc.)
How do scammers get my personal information?
Scammers piece together your information by using:
- Data breaches
- Phishing scams
- Public Wi-Fi snooping
- Social media surveillance
- Deceptive websites and apps
young woman phone I got an unexpected voicemail from a "government official" demanding I pay a debt otherwise I'd face fines and even prison. They knew my personal details, making it even scarier and asked for my bank information to settle the matter. Sensing a scam, I called ID Support NSW to check if this could be a trick. I got the right advice and avoided a potentially disastrous outcome.
Anonymous customer
How can I protect my privacy?
Passwords
Our Password Strength Tester lets you check whether your passwords or passphrases are easy to guess or ‘crack’. It also tells you if they’ve been in a data breach.
Phone, email and text messages
Government agencies will never ask for sensitive information like your account, banking details, or passwords.
If you receive an unexpected message or call requesting personal information and suspect it is a scam, end the conversation right away. You should then look for the official contact information and contact the agency directly to confirm the call.
- Ignore requests for personal details via phone, email, or text.
- Don't open suspicious messages, as these can open the door to your device.
- Check that the organisation is the real deal before you give them information.
Reading Privacy Agreements
- Understand the terms for all products and services you sign up for.
- Check that your details won’t be shared with third parties.
Don’t hit that link!
- Be cautious with links.
- Avoid downloading from unreliable sources.
Think twice before you download
- Do you trust the organisation or individual providing the download?
- Be suspicious of email attachments from senders you don’t know.
Don’t overshare on social media
- Update your privacy settings regularly.
- Only connect and share with people you know.
Keep your devices under lock and key
- Keep scammers from accessing and controlling your gadgets and equipment.
- Check the security of your smartphone, tablet, computer and IoT equipment.
Guard your financial information
- Don't share account details or funds with unknown people or organisations.
- Regularly check your credit card and bank statements for odd transactions.
Monitor your credit report
- Credit reports are free. Trusted sources include Experian, Illion and Equifax.
- If you see unusual activity and suspect fraud, ask for a temporary credit ban.
Safely store your documents
- Only take the ID you need when you leave the house or travel.
- Shred unwanted papers that show your personal information.
Protect your mail
- Keep your mail secure by locking your mailbox and emptying it each day.
- When you’re away from home, make sure your mail is collected or redirected.