Latitude Financial data breach
Latitude Financial is responding to a malicious cyber-attack that has resulted in the theft of personal information. The theft impacts customers across Australia and New Zealand. They are continuing their forensic review to determine the full extent of the attack and the amount of personal information stolen by the attacker.
Customers who have had their NSW driver licence details exposed in the Latitude Financial data breach are encouraged to replace their card.
When will I hear from Latitude Financial about the breach?
If you have been affected, you will be notified by Latitude Financial of the specific information compromised. Latitude has advised that they will notify by email or by letter as soon as possible. You can visit the Latitude website for information.
Who needs a replacement driver licence card?
You only need to replace your driver licence card if you are notified by Latitude Financial that your both your number and the card number have been compromised.
This is because in NSW, increased identity protections came into effect on 1 September 2022, to help guard against unauthorised use of a driver licence for ID purposes.
Since that date, both numbers on your driver licence, the licence number and the card number, are required to pass a Document Verification Service (DVS) check.
When you replace your licence, your driver licence number will remain the same but your card number will change. This will protect you from unauthorised DVS checks using the old card's information.
Replacing a licence card is simple and can be done online via the Service NSW website or in person at a Service NSW Centre.
If you have replaced your driver licence card online in the past 12 months you will need to visit a Service NSW Centre in person.
What is a Document Verification Service (DVS) check?
A DVS check is used by institutions such as banks to verify a person’s identity.
Both the driver licence number and the card number are required to pass a DVS check for NSW licence holders.
What if I want to replace my driver licence card as a precaution?
There is no need to replace a NSW driver licence card unless Latitude Financial has notified you that the details have been exposed.
Latitude will confirm to you what personal information has been stolen, what they are doing to support you and what additional steps you should consider taking to further protect your information.
Who will pay for my replacement driver licence card?
You will need to pay $29 for the replacement and discuss with a Latitude Financial representative if you wish to be reimbursed.
What if I have already replaced my card in the past 12 months?
If you have replaced your driver licence card recently and have not provided those credentials to Latitude Financial since replacement you may not need to have your card replaced again.
If you have replaced your card in the past 12 months and would like to replace it again, you will need to do this in store at a Service NSW centre.
This is to maintain the security of your driver licence.
I have a suppressed address / am a victim of domestic violence / a high profile person and need to replace my driver licence immediately. Will Service NSW help me with this?
If you feel you are at risk of immediate danger call NSW Police on 000.
For immediate driver licence replacement visit Replace a NSW driver licence.
What should I do to protect myself if I suspect I am a victim of fraudulent activity?
Look out for any suspicious or unexpected activity across your online accounts, including bank accounts.
Make sure to report any fraudulent activity immediately to the related provider.
Look out for contact from scammers who may have your personal information. This may include suspicious emails, texts, phone calls or messages on social media.
Never click on any links that look suspicious and never provide your passwords, or any personal or financial information.
What support is available in keeping my identity safe?
It is always a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself from fraud and scams. You can find advice on the What to do if you’ve been impacted by a data breach web page.
If you are affected by identity crime and need to replace your Government issued documents, such as a driver licence or a birth certificate, ID Support NSW will be able to help you do that.
You can contact ID Support NSW by phone on 1800 001 040 or via their online form. The team is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.