The Emotional side of Identity Theft

The Australian Government reported that identity fraud has become the most common, expensive and alarming crime to impact this nation.
IDCARE reported 6500 calls in its first six months of operation relating to Identity theft. The majority of these were stolen driver’s licenses. However cyber-crime (criminal activities carried out by means of computers or the Internet.) is on the rise costing taxpayers an estimated $1 Billion per year according to The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA).

The Emotional impact

The devastating impact of identity theft on a victim is on an emotional level where the person can become distressed and be left feeling violated, betrayed, vulnerable, angry and powerless. The victim can go into stages of grief and sometimes their anger can turn into rage if left undealt with. They can end up blaming themselves for the crime and develop a sense of shame. Some people often become isolated and depressed. Especially when they’ve experienced a huge financial loss.

• Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

The devastating impact of identity theft on a victim is on an emotional level where the person can become distressed and be left feeling violated, betrayed, vulnerable, angry and powerless. The victim can go into stages of grief and sometimes their anger can turn into rage if left undealt with. They can end up blaming themselves for the crime and develop a sense of shame. Some people often become isolated and depressed. Especially when they’ve experienced a huge financial loss.

What to do if your Identity has been stolen

The police should be notified immediately. Report the Identity theft on Police Link 131 444. In Victoria the crime can be reported in any local police station.
If the theft was related to a bank account or a credit card then contact the bank or issuer of your credit card immediately. Your bank should stop any more transactions on your account or credit card.
It’s always a good idea to check with your bank or financial institution on what safety measures they have in place to protect their account holders from identity theft.

Helpful Websites

ACORN – The Australian Cyber Online Reporting Network – report a cyber crime and find a wealth of information. Even have a list of preventative safety measures.

IDCARE – provides a resources and information for protecting your identity online. There’s a section on what to do if you’ve had your identity stolen.

Emotional Support

Don’t leave your emotions left unchecked for too long. Talk to someone. Contact your counsellor, doctor, pastor or Lifeline if you’re in an emotional crisis.

Lifeline – Do you find yourself find in a Crisis? Call 13 11 14 or chat online
Beyondblue Do you have feelings of depression or anxiety? Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online

Information and Support for Identity Theft

Australian Capital Territory – Victim Support ACT
New South Wales – Victims Access Line
Northern Territory – Crime Victims Services Unit
Queensland – Victim Assist Queensland
South Australia – Victim Support Service
Tasmania – Victims Support Service
Victoria – Victims of Crime
Western Australia – Victims of Crime

Sources

ACORN http://www.acorn.gov.au/protection-prevention/
IDCARE http://www.idcare.org/