A Lismore woman only discovered she had fallen victim to a new scam when she began receiving hundreds of dollars in bills for a new mobile phone and contract that she had not signed up for.
The woman had no previous contact with the company at all and did not request the contract or the phone.
She began inquiries with the phone company, and it appears that a fraudster obtained her personal details and applied for the phone and contract online in her name.
Police say what is most concerning about this incident this happened is the fact that the victim had been very careful in about disclosing her identity online and had not lost any ID.
She told police it is possible that she had shared her birthdate and home location on Facebook.
Police are now investigating the theft and using phone company records to track down the offender. When located, they say, the person will be charged.
A Richmond LAC spokesperson said the incident ‘is a reminder to be careful of your personal information as fraudsters are cunning and will look for any opportunity steal your identity if they can.’
‘The victim in this matter was very vigilant in not disclosing her personal details, but somehow a fraudster has obtained them,’ the spokesperson said.
‘You can help make sure this does not happen to you. Never share your home address or birthdate on social media, and check your bank accounts for unusual transactions or bills. If you do lose your ID please report it straight away.’
You can report cybercrime to your local police station or via ACORN (Australia’s Cybercrime Online Reporting Network).
