Home Programs Law enforcement Canada-U.S. border security Identity theft

Identity theft

Identity theft refers to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's identifying information for the purpose of fraud or other criminal activity. Such data may include name and date of birth, as well as social insurance, passport, driver’s license and credit card numbers.

Once stolen, the personal information can be used to take over or create financial accounts, transfer bank balances, apply for loans and credit or purchase goods and services. Identity thieves may also present or create documents such as birth certificates or immigration documents to obtain benefits such as health care, education, social assistance and public pensions.

• Advice for consumers
• Advice for retailers
• Report on identity theft