Based on your report it looks like you may have been affected by an Identity Theft Scam. Take a look at the information below for advice on what steps you should take to stay safe.

HOW THIS SCAM WORKS AND WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE:

If you’ve received a debt collection notice for an account you never created, or if you’re being charged for services or products you never requested, you might be the target of an identity theft scam.

Scammers can use personal information they’ve picked up online, or information they’ve tricked you into sharing, to order goods and services they have no intention of paying for. They add your information in place of their payment details so charges, invoices/bills are left in your name.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE RECEIVED A BILL FOR A PRODUCT OR SERVICE YOU NEVER REQUESTED:

1. Notify the retailer/service provider where the charges have come from. Using the publicly listed contact information for the company, contact them to explain that you are disputing the charges and that you never requested these products or services from them.
   
   It’s important to always use the publicly listed contact information, and never the contact information included with the invoice as it could be a fake invoice from a scammer.
   
   
2. Ask what information or ID was submitted when the account was created. There is no guarantee they will be able to provide this for you, but if they can, it will help give you some clues as to how you can follow up or how this might have happened.
   
   
3. Check your credit report. People in New Zealand can request a free credit report. There’s more information about this available on the New Zealand Government website. You can find this information here. Check to make sure there are no other charges in your name that you didn’t request.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT SCAMMERS HAVE YOUR PRIVATE INFORMATION OR BANK DETAILS:

1. If the scammers have used your bank account information you should report the incident to your bank immediately. This includes credit card information.
   
   
2. If charges have been added to your credit card you can speak to your bank about applying for a charge back.
   
   
3. If you know what kind of information the scammers have this Identity Theft Checklistis a helpful guide on what could happen with your information. If you believe you may have been exposed to identity theft, we suggest you contact iDCare as they provide free help and support.

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Keywords: Bill, invoice, my name, identity, theft, identity theft, debt, charges, charged