Identity theft and your tax file number

What is identity crime?

Identity crime happens when someone uses a manipulated, stolen or assumed identity to commit fraud or other crimes.

It can involve creating a new identity, false identity, or using stolen information to impersonate someone else. This identity can be used to:

• avoid paying tax, child support or Higher Education Loan repayments
• apply for a government benefit
• live here as a citizen
• shop using your credit card
• access your bank account
• steal your superannuation
• sell your house
• commit driving offences recorded on your licence
• obtain goods or services
• avoid court appearances or jail.