Canadian Consumer Handbook 2006

Consumer Tips - Identity Theft

Identity theft (ID theft) is a growing and serious crime. It occurs when someone uses your personal information without your knowledge or consent to commit a crime, such as fraud or theft. To reduce the risk of identity theft, manage your personal information by taking the following steps:

1. Guard your personal information and documents
   • If you don't know why someone is requesting your personal information, under privacy laws, you can ask that they provide a legitimate reason for its collection.
   • At ATMs, always shield the entry of your personal identification number (PIN), and never give your PIN or password to anyone, including staff at your financial institution or police.
   • Carry as few cards and identity documents as possible, and always check to see the credit card you get back is your own.
   • Choose a PIN or password that does not include your name, telephone number, date of birth, address or Social Insurance Number (SIN).
   • Beware of mail, phone and Internet promotions or fraudulent websites that ask for personal information.
   • Keep your birth certificate, SIN card or passport in a secure place.
   • Shred, destroy or cut up sensitive information before tossing it in the garbage. This includes expired and unused credit and debit cards as the card may have expired, but the number may still be valid.
2. Keep your computer and its contents safe
   • Select a password that is a combination of letters (upper and lower case), numbers and symbols.
   • Install and update anti-virus protection software and use a firewall.
   • Don't send personal financial or confidential information over email.
   • For online financial transactions, make sure that the web page is secure (denoted by https://, a closed lock, or an unbroken key at the bottom right corner of the screen).
   • If you are disposing of your hard drive, make sure personal information is deleted by using overwrite software or destroying the drive.
3. Be vigilant
   • Review your financial statements promptly and report any errors or lost or stolen cards to your financial institution immediately.
   • If you don't receive your statements, notify your financial institution and Canada Post.
   • Request a copy of your credit report each year and ensure the information is correct.

If you're a victim of identity theft:

• Inform your financial institutions and local police of the theft immediately.
• Follow the advice for consumers in the Identity Theft Kit on the Consumer Measures Committee website. Use the Identity Theft Statement to help you prepare a written report of the theft and send it to credit issuers and financial institutions.
• To help stop fraud, report the incident to PhoneBusters, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre, at 1-888-495-8501 or www.phonebusters.com.

For more information, you may also wish to have a look at our section on Online Fraud.