University of Calgary

Avoiding Identity Theft

Submitted by powlesla on Thu, 2007-03-01 15:38.

Introduction
Precautions
Fraud Alerts
If You Suspect Your Identity Has Been Stolen
Getting Help

Introduction

Identity theft occurs when someone acquires your personal data and impersonates you for financial gain.

Your name, birth date, address, credit card, and other personal information could be used for such things as applying for credit cards, opening bank accounts, redirecting mail, obtaining cell telephones, renting vehicles, buying merchandize, and even securing employment.

This may result in you being left with bills, charges, bad cheques, taxes, and more. Clearing up the confusion and re-establishing your good credit could take years.

Precautions

The best way to prevent identity theft is to be vigilant about your personal information. Memorize your PIN numbers and be wary when disclosing them in public. Do not give your credit card number over the telephone unless you initated the call and trust the company.

Be particularly careful with your Social Insurance Number (SIN). It is an important key to your identity. Do NOT carry your SIN card in your wallet or purse. Rather memorize the number and give it out only when necessary. Ask how it will be used and why it is needed.

To avoid online identity theft, familiarize yourself with the latest computer security measures and ensure that all of your software is kept up to date. This helps prevent spyware and other malicious software from being installed on your computer to gather personal information and steal passwords.

To reduce the chances of your identity being stolen:

  • Protect your PC or Protect your Macintosh
  • Read the fraud alert information on your bank and credit card websites.
  • Check your bank, utility, and credit card statements regularly to ensure all data is correct.
  • Use a web browser such as Firefox that supports security features such as 128-bit encryption, digital security certificates, and SSL protocols.
  • Enter sensitive information only on trusted websites. Look for the "lock" icon in your browser screen that indicates the information is being encrypted.
  • Don't respond to spam, phishing, vishing, or other unsolicited emails.
  • If you lose any of your physical identification, such as your SIN or driver's license, contact the government agencies responsible immediately.
  • Do not dispose of personal information in the trash - use a shredder to destroy old bills and receipts, credit card offers, insurance receipts, etc.
  • Review your credit report from Equifax or Trans-Union at least once a year. You are eligible for a free credit report, and can monitor if there is any wrong information in your account.

Fraud Alerts

Credit card companies will contact you by telephone when they detect any unusual activity with your card. Some banks (e.g., CIBC, ATB Financial) are beginning to offer fraud alert services where you can obtain credit card and credit report alerts by email or telephone. The credit report service informs you when key changes (such as change of address or new credit applications) are made to your credit reporting agency file. This may indicate potentially fraudulent acitivity.

For more info about fraud alert services, contact your bank.

If You Suspect Your Identity Has Been Stolen

  • If you suspect your SIN has been stolen, contact a Service Canada Centre or the SIN call centre at 1-800-206-7218
  • Contact the Passport Office if your passport has been stolen.
  • If you suspect your credit cards have been compromised, cancel the cards and get new ones.
  • If you notice unusual charges, or if your statements do not arrive, contact your utility company or credit card immediately.
  • Contact Equifax or Trans-Union to inform them that your information has been stolen, and ask that they contact you before opening a new account or granting credit in your name.
  • Contact Canada Post if you suspect your mail is being redirected.
  • Obtain a new driver's license.
  • File a complaint with the police. Keep a copy of the police case number and police report.

Getting help

For general information, see bank webpages on security and protecting your identity.

To learn more about Identity Theft, see the following webpages:

 

For help with identity theft, see RCMP's Phonebusters website, click "Identity Theft", and obtain the Identity Theft Statement PDF form.

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