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Largest Ever US ID Theft Highlights That Aussies Too Need To Be Vigilant
SYDNEY, 6 August, 2008 – Australians are not immune to the tactics used in the single largest identity theft and credit card fraud crime uncovered in the United States overnight.
The scam saw up to 40 million credit card and debit card details stolen resulting in the theft of an unknown amount of money according to the US Department of Justice.
“The sheer scale of this crime is a timely reminder for all Australians to ensure they are vigilant against identity theft and financial fraud,” said Vice President and General Manager of Unisys Asia Pacific, Andrew Barkla.
“Our regular Unisys Security Index has consistently shown that Australians are highly concerned about the protection of their personal and financial information.
“But part of any solution to Identity Theft and Credit Card Fraud must be the individual; we are all responsible for the protection of our own information and data,” he said.
Some of the best ways to protect yourself from ID theft and Financial Fraud are also the simplest.
Always read & check your credit card and bank statements
Make sure that you can account for any expense on your credit card or bank statement, no matter how minor. It can often take victims months or even years to finally detect that they are being defrauded.
Regularly check your credit history report
Checking your own credit history is a simple way to catch financial fraud in its infancy. By regularly requesting an updated credit report you will be able to identity unauthorized activity undertaken in your name as early as possible.
Destroy sensitive documents
The sad fact is that ID Theft and financial fraud often begins in the garbage. Paper statements provide important information about you, your address, your accounts and your bank balances; everything needed by a thief.
Get your statements electronically
Why not opt for electronic statements instead of having paper ones mailed to your home? That way you can check your balances and other financial information without having to dispose of them.
Lock your Mail Box
Keeping your mailbox locked is a first line of defence against financial fraud and identity theft. Stolen mail remains one of the most prevalent means by which identity theft occurs.
Know when mail hasn’t arrived
Knowing when important bills and statements arrive each month is an easy way of detecting mail theft or redirection when it starts. Make a note of when credit card bills, bank statements, mortgage loans and other important financial correspondences normally arrives, and check with your financial institution if you don’t receive them.
Always know who you are giving information to
Always insist on identity verification from people seeking your personal information. Be aware that ID Thieves often gain important personal information from victims over the phone or internet.
For more detail on the latest Unisys Security Index go to:
About Unisys Asia Pacific
Unisys helps clients with solutions for secure business operations by aligning technology with business strategy. Drawing on a history of industry innovation and expertise, Unisys provides specialised services, delivered by trusted consultants. In Asia Pacific, Unisys delivers services and solutions through subsidiaries in Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Malaysia, The Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand and through distributors or resellers in other countries in the region. For more information, visit www.unisys.com.
About Unisys
Unisys is a worldwide information technology services and solutions company. We provide consulting, systems integration, outsourcing and infrastructure services, combined with powerful enterprise server technology. We specialise in helping clients use information to create efficient, secure business operations that allow them to achieve their business goals. Our consultants and industry experts work with clients to understand their business challenges and create greater visibility into critical linkages throughout their operations. For more information, visit www.unisys.com.
Contacts
Claire Hosegood, Unisys, 0411 253 663
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