Stolen IDs, tax files and mortgage details—there’s been a major breach! Here’s how to protect yourself
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Thousands of Queenslanders may be at risk after a wave of targeted break-ins left mortgage and tax clients vulnerable.
A man allegedly stole highly sensitive personal information during a string of office burglaries across the state.
The full extent of the data breach is still unfolding—but authorities say the fallout could be widespread.
Court documents revealed a man in his 30s—identified as Joseph Kelly—was accused of breaking into multiple Mortgage Choice locations and an ITP Tax office between 14 and 16 July.
Police alleged the man struck five buildings across the Gold Coast, Logan, and Ipswich, stealing computers and filing cabinets during each incident.
They believe he transferred sensitive client data onto an encrypted device, although the exact number of affected individuals remains unclear.
The compromised information could include documents such as driver’s licences, passports, payslips, and mortgage applications.
ITP Queensland confirmed it had already contacted 64 impacted clients.
Mortgage Choice stated it was still working to identify how many of its customers had been affected by the breach.
The Australian Taxation Office shared that its systems had not been compromised.
According to police sources, Kelly could face separate fraud charges for every customer whose data was allegedly stolen.
He also faced unrelated charges, including possession of dangerous drugs and an attempted break-in at another office in Robina.
Kelly has been remanded in custody and is expected to appear at Southport Magistrates Court next Monday.
If news of this data breach has made you question how much of your personal information is really out there, you’re not alone.
Even small digital traces—like old accounts or saved passwords—can make you a target for scammers.
Here’s another story that explains how to reduce your online footprint and keep your private details safe.
Read more: Too much of you online? Here’s how to stay safe and scam-free
Could your personal data be in the wrong hands without you even knowing?
A man allegedly stole highly sensitive personal information during a string of office burglaries across the state.
The full extent of the data breach is still unfolding—but authorities say the fallout could be widespread.
Court documents revealed a man in his 30s—identified as Joseph Kelly—was accused of breaking into multiple Mortgage Choice locations and an ITP Tax office between 14 and 16 July.
Police alleged the man struck five buildings across the Gold Coast, Logan, and Ipswich, stealing computers and filing cabinets during each incident.
They believe he transferred sensitive client data onto an encrypted device, although the exact number of affected individuals remains unclear.
Police allege major data theft in QLD. Image source: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio
Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.
Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.
The compromised information could include documents such as driver’s licences, passports, payslips, and mortgage applications.
ITP Queensland confirmed it had already contacted 64 impacted clients.
Mortgage Choice stated it was still working to identify how many of its customers had been affected by the breach.
The Australian Taxation Office shared that its systems had not been compromised.
According to police sources, Kelly could face separate fraud charges for every customer whose data was allegedly stolen.
He also faced unrelated charges, including possession of dangerous drugs and an attempted break-in at another office in Robina.
Kelly has been remanded in custody and is expected to appear at Southport Magistrates Court next Monday.
If news of this data breach has made you question how much of your personal information is really out there, you’re not alone.
Even small digital traces—like old accounts or saved passwords—can make you a target for scammers.
Here’s another story that explains how to reduce your online footprint and keep your private details safe.
Read more: Too much of you online? Here’s how to stay safe and scam-free
Could your personal data be in the wrong hands without you even knowing?
