NDIS Identity Theft

Key Points:

• Scammers can steal your details during the application or by submitting fake invoices against your plan.
• Never share your MyGov or NDIS login details. Be suspicious of unexpected calls or messages asking for personal information.
• Regularly review your invoices and NDIS portal to ensure all claims are legitimate and match the services you received.
• If you suspect a scam, change your passwords and report the activity to the NDIS. You can also get support from IDCARE.

Summary:

Identity theft is a risk throughout your NDIS journey. Scammers can try to steal your personal details during the application process or by submitting fake invoices against your plan. To protect yourself, always keep your login details private, be cautious of suspicious calls, and regularly check your plan’s statements. If you think you’ve been targeted, change your passwords and report it to the NDIS and IDCARE right away.

Outline:

1. Your NDIS Plan and Identity Theft
2. Identity Theft and Your NDIS Application
3. Protecting Your NDIS Plan
4. How to Protect Yourself?
5. What if Something Feels Wrong?
6. How AIIM Choices Plan Managers Can Help

Your NDIS Plan and Identity Theft

Let’s talk about something really important and sometimes a bit scary, which is keeping your personal information safe. This is crucial for both your NDIS application and your plan. Identity theft is a real threat, and knowing how it can affect you is the first step to staying safe.

Identity theft happens when a scammer steals your personal details like your name, date of birth, or NDIS number, to pretend to be you. They might use this information to create fake invoices, claim funds for services you never received, or even try to change your bank details. This can cause a lot of stress and confusion, and it can seriously impact the funding you need for your supports.

Identity Theft and Your NDIS Application

The NDIS application process is full of sensitive information, which makes it a target for scammers. They might:

• Pretend to be an NDIS “helper”: A scammer might contact you, claiming to help with your NDIS application, but their real goal is to get your personal information to use for their own gain.
• Create fake websites: These websites look official but are designed to trick you into entering your details. You must never enter your personal details on any unfamiliar or unrecognised websites.
• Impersonate an NDIA staff member: These scammers might call you out of the blue, claiming they need to “verify” your information to process your application. You should always be aware of the person who is contacting you to get your information.

If they get your details, they could use them to create a fake NDIS profile or submit false claims later.

Protecting Your NDIS Plan

Once you have your plan, staying vigilant is key to protecting yourself or your loved ones. Identity theft can lead to many situations, like:

• Fake invoices: Scammers can use your name and NDIS number to bill your plan for services you never got.
• Changes to your details: With enough of your information, a scammer could try to change your contact details or the bank account linked to your plan.

How to Protect Yourself?

• Keep Your Details Private: Never share your MyGov or NDIS portal login details with anyone. You are not supposed to share any personal details with anyone you don’t know.
• Be Suspicious: The NDIS will not contact you unexpectedly to ask for your bank details or passwords. If a call or email feels off, hang up and call them back on an official number.
• Check Your Statements: If you’re self-managing or plan-managing, review your invoices and the NDIS portal often. Make sure all claims are for services you received. If you have a plan manager, then do ask them about your monthly statements to see how your plan is being managed.
• Use Strong Passwords: Your passwords should be unique and complex. Even better, turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your MyGov account to keep your information safe.

What if Something Feels Wrong?

If your application isn’t successful, or if you don’t meet the NDIS eligibility requirements, please If you suspect you’ve been a victim of a scam, it can feel overwhelming. But you’re not alone.

• Act Fast: If you think someone has access to your NDIS account, change your passwords immediately and contact NDIS. 
• Report It: It’s important to report any suspicious activity. You can contact the NDIS Fraud Reporting and Scams Helpline.
• Get Support: Reach out to a trusted person, like a family member or your support coordinator.

Staying informed and being proactive are the best ways to protect your NDIS application and your plan.

How AIIM Choices Plan Managers Can Help

At AIIM Choices Plan Managers, our experienced NDIS plan managers are here to give you more than just budget support. We help you stay safe, informed, and in control. We make sure every invoice, claim, and transaction is verified and accurate, reducing the risk of unauthorised activity or errors that could affect your funding.

Our NDIS plan management services provide full visibility over your spending, with regular updates and reports so you always know where your money is going. We take care of the financial side, giving you the freedom to focus on your goals and not the paperwork.

If you’re currently self-managing or considering switching plan management providers, AIIM Choices Plan Managers can make the transition smooth and simple. With us by your side, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your NDIS funds are protected, compliant, and managed with care.

References:

1. https://www.idcare.org/individuals
2. https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/working-providers/how-protect-your-ndis-plan
3. https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10604-scam-alert-beware-malicious-sms-and-email
4. https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/improving-integrity-and-preventing-fraud