Sometimes it will be clear to you that the information an organisation holds about you is incorrect because you know that your information has recently changed, for example you've moved house and need to update your postal details.

In other cases, you might be given an indication that the organisation holds incorrect information about you because it has sent you a letter about a matter that you have no knowledge of or the letter contains incorrect information.

For example, perhaps you have received an offer for 'existing customers' from a business that you have not had any dealings with in the past, or an organisation is sending you a lot of information on retirement plans and you are only 23 years old.

If you think an organisation has incorrect information about you, you need to have a reasonable basis for believing an inaccuracy exists before an organisation needs to take any action to fix the mistake.

Just calling up an organisation and saying 'can you check my information is correct' probably won't be enough in most circumstances. However if you were to say to the organisation 'You have suddenly started sending me a lot of information about retirement plans and I think you might have my date of birth wrong because I'm only 23' then this allows the organisation to say: 'Actually this is part of our 'start saving for retirement NOW campaign' or 'Really? That's strange. Let me check your details'.

If you are unsure, you may wish to ask the organisation for access to the information it holds about you to confirm whether the information is incorrect. The Privacy Act gives you a general right to access the personal information that an organisation holds about you. To find out more take a look at our frequently asked questions on access.