I have decided to keep tabs on my credit rating to prevent becoming a victim of identity theft. I applied for an extract of my credit rating for $27 from one of the ratings agencies. In filling out the forms I deliberately omitted some trivial information such as some of my past addresses, middle name etc.

I received the details the following day via email (encrypted PDF). I was amazed and disturbed by the amount of information on the extract. It listed every residence I have lived in since turning 18, company directorships I have held (from my contracting days), every financial institution I have had a relationship with.

The ratings agency has cottoned onto this paranoia and offers a service whereby you are notified whenever there is an addition or update of your credit rating/history.