Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information to steal money or gain other benefits. Anyone can be a victim of identity theft.
It could occur if someone:
- steals your online or physical identity documents
- finds your details on social media and public websites
- obtains your information through a data breach.
Impacts of identity theft
The potential impacts of having your identity stolen can be devastating.
Cybercriminals can use your information to impersonate you. They could create fraudulent identity documents to get payment or travel benefits. This could:
- make it difficult for you to prove who you are and get new identity documents
- affect your credit score and ability to apply for loans
- harm your reputation and financial well-being.
Did you know?
1 in 4 Australians were a victim of identity theft at some point in their life. It costs individuals and businesses around $3.1 billion each year.
Keep your information and data secure
Your identity is important so you should take every precaution to protect it.
Cybercriminals target a range of information that may be of value to them. This could include your:
- identity documents, such as driver licence and passport
- financial information, such as bank account details and tax file number
- personal information, such as date of birth and address.
For more details on the types of information and data you should keep secure, visit IDMatch.
The information you give out exists across many different systems and websites. As a result, your risk of identity theft increases. Follow these tips to help reduce the risk of someone stealing your identity.
Act quickly
There are some common warning signs that your identity may have been stolen. It is crucial to act as soon as you suspect anything. Refer to our guide on how to report and recover from identity theft.
Australian Government Digital ID System
The Australian Government Digital ID System provides a way for Australians to safely and securely verify their ID online to access online services. Using a Digital ID helps you stay in control of your personal data by reducing how much information you share with services. Visit the government's Digital ID website to learn more about Digital ID.
The Australian Government’s Digital ID app is myID which you can use to access many government online services through the Australian Government Digital ID System.
You can also choose to use an accredited Digital ID provider. Accreditation shows that a provider meets government standards for privacy protection, security, usability, accessibility, risk management, fraud control and more. Visit the accreditation register to find an accredited Digital ID provider.
Digital ID Act 2024
The Digital ID Act strengthens privacy and consumer protections for people who choose to create and use a Digital ID with an accredited provider. The Act established a Digital ID Regulator and a privacy regulator to ensure that providers adhere to privacy and security requirements to keep your data safe. Visit the Digital ID website to learn more about the Digital ID Act.
More information
Report and recover from identity theft
Know where to make a report and get help if someone has stolen your personal or business identity.
Data breaches
Sometimes personal information is released to unauthorised people by accident or as the result of a security breach. For example, an email with personal information can be sent to the wrong person, or a computer system can be hacked and personal information stolen. These are known as data breaches or data spills.
So you think you've been hacked
Use our interactive tool to find out what to do learn what steps to take if you think you’re the a victim of a cybercrime.