Police warn of online identity fraud

Northern Territory Police Cybercrime Unit are warning people to be cautious about the security of their identifying information.

Over recent months, a number of Northern Territory residents have suffered identity fraud after being deceived into providing identification documents to offenders. This information has then been used by offenders to commit further online crimes in the process causing ongoing distress to the victims.

Examples of identifying information offenders are seeking include copies of passports, driver’s licences or even your name, address and date of birth. Often offenders have requested this type of information through online sales frauds involving cars, heavy machinery and puppies where they typically request identifying documents to prove the identity of the prospective purchaser.

Once in possession of this information they can adopt the victim’s identity when committing further online frauds to open bank accounts, apply for credit or even sell the information on Darkweb marketplaces.

Northern Territory Police Cybercrime are currently in the process of contacting almost 100 Northern Territory residents who have their identifying information included in documents for sale on Darkweb marketplaces.

If you suspect you have supplied aspects of your identifying information to Cybercrime offenders, you should advise your financial institution immediately and report the matter to police through www.cyber.gov.au

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