What to do about the Optus and future data breaches?

[Pushka]

When I activated the lock a week ago I understood any queries from any credit provider would receive a notification that the file is locked and no access will be provided to any credit provider of the client's credit history or to confirm any details. My immediate reaction was surely any queries to a locked credit file should sent up a red flag and it should be reported for follow up whether it is an attempted fraud. A text or email message to the account holder advising there has been an enquiry would start the ball rolling. I have already started receiving marketing emails from Credit Savvy so it seems an obvious enhancement to their marketing activities.

I understood we would be notified and could approve if legit.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Why isn’t Optus being fined a minimum of $1k per person of hacked data?

 

[OATEK]

Why isn’t Optus being fined a minimum of $1k per person of hacked data?

Wouldn't that require court proceedings, and if it does then it would be years away.

 

[SYD]

@serfty what legitimate uses/queries of one’s credit file being locked or banned might occur?

I noticed in my three credit reports that AMEX do a query every month (the other credit providers on the report don’t appear to have similar interactions).

Has anyone had issues with AMEX post applying a block? I’ve held off applying for the block until I work that out. I‘ve just got back from OS, so might call around a few of my FIs…

 

[Pushka]

I noticed in my three credit reports that AMEX do a query every month (the other credit providers on the report don’t appear to have similar interactions).

Has anyone had issues with AMEX post applying a block? I’ve held off applying for the block until I work that out. I‘ve just got back from OS, so might call around a few of my FIs…

I checked my record and haven't been pinged since a last credit card application a few months ago. i have a personal and business Amex card that I use several times a week. Perhaps a business card may get pinged as it has no designated credit limit and you make the request to see if you can make a large payment. Anyway in 21 days I'll just let it go as I've changed my DL.

 

[NM]

I expect a lot of AFF member would not want to block all access to their credit file for 12 months as that would put the breaks on credit card churning for that period.

 

[lovestotravel]

I noticed in my three credit reports that AMEX do a query every month (the other credit providers on the report don’t appear to have similar interactions).

Has anyone had issues with AMEX post applying a block? I’ve held off applying for the block until I work that out. I‘ve just got back from OS, so might call around a few of my FIs…

Yes they do run a monthly "check" and I suspect if that's blocked, they will then block your card and cancel it possibly

Let me know what you find out, i called Amex and the first rep had no idea what I was talking about and transferred me to the credit team but I gave up after holding for 20 mins

 

[lovestotravel]

Why isn’t Optus being fined a minimum of $1k per person of hacked data?

They are not even offering compensation or even a fair and reasonable request that I made for them to pay for 5 years of credit monitoring

They have always been a poorly managed company for the last 10 or so years and the handling of this data leak has blown them apart internally and also externally.

They are about to lose 10 mobile/data services that I have with them to Telstra, and as I have "poor coverage" I can get out of the contracts for free

 

[oz_mark]

Why isn’t Optus being fined a minimum of $1k per person of hacked data?

I think on thing that will come up after this is a tightening of the rules (and it's all a bit of a patchwork mess at the moment), and better laws and regulation will help address the lack of harsh penalties under the existing rules,

 

[MEL_Traveller]

So we got the new iphone last night and were trying to transport the e-sim from optus. They can’t do it by phone anymore, or send a new QR code with the e-sim, because you now need to go into the store with 100 points of ID! Apparently this is because of the data leak.

If the agent gave us the right advice about having to attend the store, this is going to have implications for everyone at some time. I wonder what will happen if we send them a bill for our time having to go in store?

 

[exceladdict]

So we got the new iphone last night and were trying to transport the e-sim from optus. They can’t do it by phone anymore, or send a new QR code with the e-sim, because you now need to go into the store with 100 points of ID! Apparently this is because of the data leak.

If the agent gave us the right advice about having to attend the store, this is going to have implications for everyone at some time. I wonder what will happen if we send them a bill for our time having to go in store?

This is a bit of a pain, but TBH I would like to put a permanent hold on my number being able to be transferred/ported without me physically attending an optus store to OK it.

 

[NM]

So we got the new iphone last night and were trying to transport the e-sim from optus. They can’t do it by phone anymore, or send a new QR code with the e-sim, because you now need to go into the store with 100 points of ID! Apparently this is because of the data leak.

If the agent gave us the right advice about having to attend the store, this is going to have implications for everyone at some time. I wonder what will happen if we send them a bill for our time having to go in store?

And you have to present 100 points of ID to Optus! How many people will be willing to hand over their ID documents to Optus now? Perhaps just suggest to Optus to look on the dark web for your 100 points of ID since Optus already had it ...

 

[NoName]

Apologies if this has already been asked but I understand some states are offering replacement driver’s licences with a new number as a result of this breach. Are there any negatives to going down this route? Would a new DL number affect credit files and things like that where it’s used to identify yourself? I’m considering whether to have mine replaced but want to consider all consequences of this.

 

[exceladdict]

Apologies if this has already been asked but I understand some states are offering replacement driver’s licences with a new number as a result of this breach. Are there any negatives to going down this route? Would a new DL number affect credit files and things like that where it’s used to identify yourself? I’m considering whether to have mine replaced but want to consider all consequences of this.

Biggest issue imo is the wait in the queue at the licensing centre and potential issues with rental car companies not appreciating a temporary paper license.

 

[UP4014]

So far Optus told me "Yes" and have shared my licence number, but I should follow the Govt recommendations. Really, that's their advice to go find out what the Govt says and look up somewhere else. Nothing to see here.

 

[AisleSeat]

Apologies if this has already been asked but I understand some states are offering replacement driver’s licences with a new number as a result of this breach. Are there any negatives to going down this route? Would a new DL number affect credit files and things like that where it’s used to identify yourself? I’m considering whether to have mine replaced but want to consider all consequences of this.

Have you been notified that your licence number was in the breach? If not, I know that at least in Victoria you can't request a new licence in that case.

 

[OATEK]

So far Optus told me "Yes" and have shared my licence number, but I should follow the Govt recommendations. Really, that's their advice to go find out what the Govt says and look up somewhere else. Nothing to see here.

Optus gave me the advice that as only the Licence No. was shared, and not the card number as well, that I would not meet the test for replacement at a ServiceNSW centre unless some other factor was in play as DVS uses both in NSW. I assume this means unless there is evidence that someone tried to use the licence number fraudulently, it would not automatically be replaced.

 

[UP4014]

Optus gave me the advice that as only the Licence No. was shared, and not the card number as well, that I would not meet the test for replacement at a ServiceNSW centre unless some other factor was in play as DVS uses both in NSW. I assume this means unless there is evidence that someone tried to use the licence number fraudulently, it would not automatically be replaced.

It's more their lack of excitement and enthusiasm around helping their customers after sharing private information and not complying with their own privacy policy.

 

[RAM]

Anyone get the idea that Optus is doing everything possible to lower THEIR cost - such as going against the advice of the NSW Govt who said early last week that NSW residents impacted by losing their Licence # should go and seek a new number and bill Optus for the cost.

Perhaps Optus worked out how much that would potentially cost them and is now trying to push the 'letter of the law' rather than the intent?

The last few times my DL has needed to be sighted - the only number written down by the respective people was the DL# and never the card #.

 

[Pushka]

Optus gave me the advice that as only the Licence No. was shared, and not the card number as well, that I would not meet the test for replacement at a ServiceNSW centre unless some other factor was in play as DVS uses both in NSW. I assume this means unless there is evidence that someone tried to use the licence number fraudulently, it would not automatically be replaced.

That's crazy. I've had numerous credit checks done over the decades and didn't even know this card number existed until 12 months ago. For once SA Govt is doing the right thing and simply replacing licences as soon as you mention Optus. No proof needed. And their systems of lining up are excellent. Never thought I'd be able to say that about ServicesSA but there you go. As of a couple of days ago, 25,000 new licences issued here.