What is a Suppression

When a suppression is put in place it freezes access to your credit file. This means that the CreditReporting Agencies (CRAs) are not able to disclose any personal information from your consumer credit file to any credit providers unless you provide written consent for them to do so, or if they are required by law. A suppression does not impact your current credit cards or loans unless credit is due for renewal (for example, your credit card about to expire).

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Applying for a Suppression

You can apply for a suppression from each organisation individually. Or you can lodge a suppression with Centrix or Equifax only and they will pass the information to the other credit reporting agencies if you agree to this.

Centrix: Apply online to suppress your credit file. Once submitted, Centrix will email you to let you know the suppression is in place.
Equifax: Go to Placing a suppression with Equifax and fill in and submit the form. Once submitted, Equifax will email you to let you know the suppression is in place.
illion: Email [email protected] and attach the suppression application form. You will need to provide a copy of a government issued credential with photo identification such as a driver licence or passport, and a copy of a utility bill or bank statement, which includes your name and current address (more information on suppression application form). When emailing, mention you are requesting a suppression as you have been (or may become) a victim of identity theft.

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Applying for an Extension

A suppression with Equifax and Centrix is initially valid for 20 days, while illion is valid for 10 days. An extension of this time period may be provided if are able to provide evidence supporting that you are (or are at risk of becoming) a victim of fraud.

Suppressions can be extended indefinitely upon request (if approved by the credit agency).
An extension needs to be applied for prior to the expiry date. It is recommended you set a reminder a few days prior to the initial suppression period ending.
You will be required to provide a reason for the extension, for example you have been subject to a compromise or theft of your personal identity information.
In most cases, you will also be required to provide a police report number, statutory declaration, or confirmation from your credit provider that you are at risk of fraud in order to validate your request.

How to extend your suppression

Centrix: Email [email protected] with your request or call 0800 236 874. You will need to answer security questions as part of the verification process.
Equifax: Call 0800 698 332. You will need to provide the PIN emailed to you after your initial request.
Illion: Email [email protected] with your request. Attach another completed suppression application form and tick ‘Extension Request’.

Relevant Websites

For additional support or information, contact IDCARE by submitting a Get Help Form or call 1800 595 160 (Aus) or 0800 121 068 (NZ).

Disclaimer

Identity Care Australia & New Zealand Ltd (IDCARE) provides identity and cyber security incident response services (the Services) in accordance with the following disclaimer of service:

IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber incident community support service. IDCARE is a not-for-profit and registered Australian charity.
The Services provided do not constitute legal advice. IDCARE recommends that you consult your own legal counsel in relation to your legal rights and obligations, including but not limited to your legal rights or obligations under Australian and international privacy and data protection laws.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content provided, to the maximum extent permitted by law all conditions, terms, representations, and warranties (in each case, whether express or implied) in connection with the provision of the Services which might otherwise be binding upon IDCARE are excluded.
IDCARE’S liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person or organisation (including, without limitation, any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage) arising out of or in connection with the Services (including without limited liability for any negligent act or omission, or statement, representation or misrepresentation of any officers, employees, agents, contractors or consultants of IDCARE) shall be limited to the fees paid by you to IDCARE in respect of the Services. For the avoidance of doubt, this limitation of liability extends to any liability arising from any actions performed or not performed as a result of any recommendations made in the course of providing the Services.
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Suppressions - New Zealand