Get a copy of your credit report to check it's accurate — you're entitled to a free credit report once every 3 months. It will also show which organisations have recently checked your credit history, so you can tell them not to authorise a new account in your name.
Log onto your accounts and make sure all transactions look familiar. Immediately report any suspicious-looking activity to the bank. Monitor your credit report. Create accounts with the big credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — to keep an eye out for new accounts that weren't opened by you.
Speak with the fraud department and explain that someone has stolen your identity. Request to close or freeze any accounts that may have been tampered with or fraudulently established. Make sure to change your online login credentials, passwords and PINs.
These are some signs to look out for: Unusual bills or charges that you don't recognise appear on your bank statement. Mail that you're expecting doesn't arrive. You get calls or texts about products and services you've never used.
You should review your bank account statements regularly; if you see unknown purchases, that could be a sign that your identity has been stolen. Check credit reports. Similarly, monitor your credit reports from all three credit-reporting bureaus for any unknown accounts or inaccurate information.
But if scammers gain access to your bank account number, they can use it for fraudulent ACH transfers or payments. For example, scammers could use your bank account details to buy products online. Or worse, they could trick you into sending them money that you'll never be able to get back.
Account opening fraud allows criminals to launder money and scam banks out of large sums of money without ever being detected.
You may notice initial damage to your credit score if someone opens an account in your name and racks up charges they don't pay for, but your credit score should rebound once the credit bureaus have removed the fraudulent accounts from your reports.
Contact the major credit bureaus
Fraud alerts are free and require companies to verify your identity before opening any new accounts in your name or changing any existing accounts. Another option is to contact each of the credit bureaus to add a credit freeze.
Pulling your credit report is the most accurate and convenient way to find all of the accounts in your name. Your credit report will display every open account in your name, from bank accounts to credit cards and so much more.
If you are looking for someone else's account, the bank will probably ask you for documentation to prove that you have the right to access the information, like a power of attorney or death certificate and court appointment as executor of the deceased's estate.
If a fraudster is armed with your stolen personal information, including your name, address, sensitive data like social security numbers, AND they have hacked into your email account, it is possible that they can access your account and drain it of funds, or potentially open an account impersonating you.
Third-party fraud occurs when a fraudster, or a group of fraudsters, uses another person's identity or personal details to open a new account without the knowledge of the person whose identity is being used.
Yes, this is possible. Identity theft was the number one reported type of fraud in 2020 [*], according to the FTC. When scammers gain access to your personal information by phishing, for example, they can do one or more of the following: Gain access to your bank account and spend or transfer all your money.
Report the account - Almost all social media platforms have a process in place for fake profiles and for profiles impersonating someone. Follow the process on each platform and the provider will investigate the account and (if found to be fake) remove the profile and its content.
It's also possible hackers could use your email account to gain access to your bank account or credit card information, draining funds from an account, or racking up charges.
If scammers have access to your phone number, they could potentially use it to hack into your online accounts — including your email, social media, and even your bank account.
Contact Your Bank
Your Bank can also help you get details about, any other accounts linked to your name and number. Just get in touch with your bank, by visiting the branch, with your Aadhaar card, and PAN Card, and they will check it for you.
The easiest way to become a victim of a bank scam is to share your banking info — e.g., account numbers, PIN codes, social security number — with someone you don't know well and trust. If someone asks for sensitive banking details, proceed with caution.
To keep your information safe, we suggest only providing your BSB and account number to people you know and trust (such as family, friends or your employer etc.)
No. Unless you give out your account number, banks do not release information regarding your bank statement to unknown third parties without your consent.