Frequently Asked Questions
How can I be sure my information is safe?
The protection of your personal information is of paramount importance. All information is protected by an SSL (secure sockets layer) encrypted securities system. Your Email address and password are your exclusive gateway into your file.
No credit card details are kept on file. N.E.R.D.S uses a secure sockets layer (SSL) 56 bit encrypted securities system.
Are my personal details available to people conducting searches?
NO. At NO STAGE are the personal details of any user visible to any member of the public at any stage. Online searches and searches conducted by operators ONLY reveal the registered status of that item along with a description of the valuable in question. Nerds comply with strict privacy laws. Searches conducted on any items will only reveal information about that item. No personal details are revealed at any stage. For more information, or to view our privacy policy, visit www.nerds.com.au.
Who has access to my records?
Like your bank account, only you have access to your files. Your password and Email address are your exclusive gateway into your file. Upon your request, NERDS Tech Support may access your files to assist with any inquiries.
Are my personal details or particulars distributed to any other source/company/agency?
NO. NERDS does NOT share consumer details. All information is securely stored and protected by 56bit-encrypted code. At No stage is any personal information of an existing or prospective NERDS client available to any third party.
If no personal details are given why do you need my home and Email address?
Nerds requires your home address so we can post new users their identification labels. Your Email address is needed to aid Nerds in contacting you if a lost or stolen item is located. Further, your Email address is required when accessing and amending your files. Unlike your name, your Email address is unique, making your privacy all the more ensured.
Why record serial numbers?
Almost any item of value is manufactured with a serial number and model number.
Manufacturers do this for practical reasons predominately to do with product identification, security, and logistical efficiency. The codes are unique, and permanently fixed to the item at all times.
By recording serial numbers and model numbers, NERDS provides a similar service for your home or place of business. Assets become easily identifiable, traceable, and may be returned to you in the unlikely event of theft. Essentially NERDS makes sense.
My TV was stolen last night, but I’m not registered with NERDS, is it too late to register my item?
NO. Providing you are in possession of the item’s serial number (usually located within an old warranty or manual), you may still register this item and indicate a STOLEN status. NERDS recommends this be done as soon as possible after theft. Most items are offloaded within 48 hours of theft. The sooner the item is flagged the greater the likelihood of recovery.
How do I search?
There are two ways to check if an item has been reported stolen within the NERDS system. Over the Phone by calling 1300 000 000, or on line at www.nerds.com.au . You will need to quote the item’s serial number in both cases. The operator will request this number over the phone. On line, simply enter your serial number on the NERDS home page in the search bar located in the top left hand corner of the screen, then press enter. Your results will be displayed.
I have just completed a search, what does "status" mean?
To view an items' status is the main reason people use the NERDS search engine. Here anyone can check if an item has been stolen, or return an item they have found. The results are explained below.
Registered: Item is registered with Nerds, and is registered as available for legitimate purchase.
Stolen: Item has been registered as stolen.
Good Samaritans can return found items regardless of status.
Why isn't serial number xxxx listed in the Nerds database?
Nerds does not claim to have complete records of all possessions in all homes around Australia. Only goods that have been registered are located in the Nerds files. The main reason for this is due to stringent privacy laws, which prevent the forced or unknowing disclosure of confidential details of private citizens. Whilst the NERDS database is extensive, from time to time items will appear that are not located within the NERDS files.
Do I have to be a registered user to search?
No, anyone can search! Searching is free, searching is easy, searching is open to everyone. Visit www.nerds.com.au, or call 1300 13 77 02.
Does NERDS claim title?
NERDS is a private entity, servicing all Australians. Unlike state and territory governed REVS, NERDS does not claim title over the status of items. NERDS provides live reports on registered items according to the registered status of said items, and acts as a reference tool for buyers prior to purchase. We advise all consumers to avoid purchasing items flagged as stolen.
Who updates my file?
Each user is responsible for the updating and modification of their individual file.
If I change an items status, how long does it take for the change to take effect?
The NERDS database modifies all information in synchronization with your own changes. When you change an items status, it is instantly updated in the entire NERDS system.
Does NERDS guarantee the validity of an item?
NERDS is a private entity, servicing all Australians. Unlike state and territory governed REVS, NERDS does not claim title over the status of items. NERDS provides live reports on registered items according to the registered status of said items, and acts as a reference tool for buyers prior to purchase. We advise all consumers to avoid purchasing items flagged as stolen.
Does NERDS Guarantee an item has been stolen if flagged as such?
NERDS is a private entity, servicing all Australians. Unlike state and territory governed REVS, NERDS does not claim title over the status of items. NERDS provides live reports on registered items according to the registered status of said items, and acts as a reference tool for buyers prior to purchase. We advise all consumers to avoid purchasing items flagged as stolen.
How much money goes to charity?
10% of the gross of each transaction is donated to charity. This figure includes GST. For a standard $40 file, including $4.00 GST, $4.40 goes directly to charity.
What if there are two items with the same serial number listed?
All items with corresponding serial numbers are displayed upon completion of a search. For this reason it is a good idea to check that the item displayed matches the one you are checking.
What Charities do you support?
Salvation Army NSW Compassion Australia
Newcastle City Care RSPCA NSW
John Hunter Children’s hospital
Can I choose another charity to receive my donation?
Unfortunately not, NERDS sponsors five different charities each financial year. Only charities listed may receive your donation. However, feel free to nominate a charity for future support. To nominate a charity for future support, Email contact@nerds.com.au.
Can I make a larger donation?
Yes, however this may be done through the charities directly. Contact details are listed below.
RSPCA N.S.W - RSPCA N.S.W by calling (02) 9709 5433.
The Salvation Army - 13 32 30 or on line at www.salvos.net.au.
Newcastle City Care - call Ross Pene on (02) 4927 1888.
Compassion Australia - www.compassion.com.au or call toll free 1800 22 44 53.
The John Hunter Children's Hospital- www.kaleidoscope.com.au. Call the fundraising manager on (02) 4921 4492.
How are donations made?
Each time a new customer registers with NERDS they nominate a charity of their choice to receive their donation. This data is recorded, and tallied. At the conclusion of each financial year, each charity receives a one off balloon payment on behalf of NERDS and NERDS customers.
How much information can I store?
A variety of files ranging in size are available, holding between 250 and 1000 items. Corporate packages may also be obtained by calling 1300 13 77 02.
It is important to note that whilst costs and file sizes may vary, security standards do not fluctuate.
How much does it cost?
Prices and file space are as follows.
0-250 items =$40
251-500 items=$70
501-750 items=$90
751-1000 items=$110
How long does registration last?
Registration lasts one year.
What if I run out of file space?
You can continue to top up any file until your purchased space is full. If you require more legroom, simply purchase the next sized file.
The space is granted automatically without altering your details.
Registered users are charged the difference in price between the file they had and the new one purchased.
For this reason there is no extension of registration.
How do thieves know my house/business is protected by NERDS?
Six (6) self-adhesive criminal deterrent labels are received upon registration. Placed in visible locations from outside the home and/or motor vehicle(s), these labels send the message to thieves that if items inside are stolen, their status will be flagged as such within a national register.
Remember, thieves don’t like stealing property that is easily identifiable. Moreover, thieves steal to sell. NERDS makes it extremely difficult for thieves to be capable of finding a buyer, rendering theft a fruitless endeavor.
Where should I place my Criminal Deterrent labels (Stickers?)
Your criminal deterrent labels should be visible from the street. Generally, windows located closest to the footpath are best suited. Six labels are issued, it’s a good idea to place one near the rear or side doors to your house. But remember, thieves steal from your car too. It’s a good idea to keep a label spare to place on the car windscreen; it may save your stereo.
Do the police endorse/support NERDS?
NERDS is a private entity, as such, legislation prevents any endorsement by policing authorities. However police can use the NERDS database in the same manner as any member of the public. This is extremely useful when returning stolen goods back to owners.
How do I find my serial numbers?
Serial numbers are the key element required to run a search on any valuable. Generally, serial numbers are located on the rear of electronic equipment either on stickers or on plates. The following lists examples of items perhaps you didn't know you could record as well as the location of respective serial numbers:
CD'S/DVD's:
Usually located on the face of the CD or DVD, these serial numbers vary in size and are well worth recording. CD's are one of the most commonly stolen items in the home.
Motor Vehicles:
Cars, trucks, motorbikes, and vans all have VIN numbers. This number is unique to all vehicles and can be found on registration stickers, and on metal plates located at the rear of the engine bay.
Power Tools:
Again, one of the most commonly stolen items, these serial numbers are located in a variety of areas, however the most common locations are on the body of the device, or on the handle.
Televisions/Stereos/VCR's/DVD players:
Usually located on the back of these items, it makes sense to take the time to record these serial numbers.
Microwaves/Fridges/White goods:
Once again these serial numbers are most commonly found on the rear of these products.
Walkman's/Portable Stereos:
Generally located on the under side of these items, Walkman's and portable stereos are frequently misplaced or stolen when outside the home.
Mobile Phones:
Mobile phones possess IMEI numbers as a means of identification. To obtain this number enter *#06# on your keypad. The number will then appear on your screen. Popular with thieves and easily misplaced, we highly recommend you register your mobile phone.
What happens if my mobile phone is stolen or lost?
In the event of mobile phone theft, we recommend you immediately up date your NERDS file. If you are a Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone customer, NERDS will Email your service provider requesting service disconnection. Once your Mobile phone is recovered, your service can be reconnected.
I don’t have an Email address
Your Email address is an important factor when logging into your files. Unlike your name, your Email address is unique, making your files all the more secure. If you don't have an Email address and wish to obtain one, you can visit www.yahoo.com.au and an address will be issued to you at no charge.
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