Hi folks,

A while ago my wife and I thought we might be a victim of identity theft. Fortunately that was not the case, however, I am gathering more info about it. Better safe than sorry.

I have been told that, it's enough for a criminal to start abusing our identity if he/she knows the undermentioned data:

1- Full name
2- DOB
3- Address

My question is about the address.

1- Which address do they mean, postal or residential? I had given my current residential address to my bank, but after that I got a Post office box and gave the bank my PO BOX address. (I still live in the same residential address though).

2- How about previous residential (or postal) addresses? If a criminal knows my full name, DOB and only previous residential (or postal) address, is he/she still able to abuse my identity?

I don't know if it has an effect on your answer, but please also note that I have never applied for any loan or CREDIT card. ( I only have a visa DEBIT card)

Thank you in advance

I think the answer to both your questions would be that it depends on which organisation is being targeted. If you, say, have a bank account which still has your previous address as being current then just knowing you previous address might be a problem. ie a fraudster could match the information the bank holds on you. If you have have updated all your details then a previous address would be no use in itself.

If someone knew your old address is there any way they could use it to find your new address? What instructions did you leave, with whom, did you leave for redirecting mail?

If you are worried then contact your bank yourself and tell them your worries.

The bank authorities told me everything was OK. However, I have set an alert on my credit file through MY VEDA ADVANTAGE company. Can I now 100% rest assured knowing I will be notified as soon as any kind of ID abuse (such as the undermentioned ones or any other possible ID abuses that I am not aware of) happens under my name? :

- opening new credit card accounts using my name
- opening account in my name and writing fraudulent cheques on the account
- buying mobile phone and opening a phone account in my name
- buying cars with loans in my name

etc...

Basically, I think it is ridiculous that people who know my full name,DOB and Address can technically abuse my identity. Just think for a moment that how many friends, acquaintances and strangers know this information about you...

Thank you

If you are in Australia you need to produce more than one means of ID to open accounts etc. You can't just announce yourself.