Identity Theft: Could it Happen
to You?
Maybe you never opened that account, or ordered an additional
card, but someone else did....someone who used your name and
personal information to commit fraud. When an imposter
co-opts your name, your Social Insurance Number (SIN), your
credit card number, or some other piece of your personal information
for their use - short when someone appropriates your personal
information without your knowledge - it's a crime, pure and
simple.
Are you a Victim?
The signs can be many, but typical indicators that your identity
is being used include:
- A creditor informs you that an application for credit was
received with your name and address, which you did not
apply for.
- Telephone calls or letters state that you have been approved
or denied by a creditor that you never applied to.
- You receive credit card statements or other bills in
your name, which you did not apply for.
- You no longer receive credit card statements or you
notice that not all of your mail is delivered.
- A collection agency informs you they are collecting
for a defaulted account established with your
identity and
you
never opened the
account.
Identity Theft Statement - What is it?
If you have been a victim of identity theft,
the Identity Theft Statement helps you notify
financial
institutions,
credit card
issuers and other companies that the identity
theft occurred, tell them that you did not
create the
debt or charges,
and give them information they need to begin
an investigation. Make
as many copies of the Statement as you will need to notify all
affected companies. You will need Acrobat
Reader to view the statement. Acrobat
Reader download
To print a copy of the Identity Theft Statement
click here.
It you suspect that your personal information
has been hijacked and misappropriated to commit
fraud
or theft,
take action
immediately and keep a record of your conversations
and correspondence. The
following basic actions are appropriate in
almost every case.
- Start a log of dates, person(s) that you spoke
with and exactly what they said.
- Contact the fraud departments of each of the two major
credit bureaus.
- Equifax: (877) 323-2598,
for lost or stolen identification press 1, if you are a
victim of identity theft press 2.
Trans Union: (877) 525-3823
except
Quebec residents (877) 713-3393
- Request
that a "Fraud Alert" be placed in your files. At
the same time order copies of your credit reports.
- Contact the fraud department of creditors for
any accounts that have been opened or tampered
with
fraudulently. This
may include credit card companies, phone companies,
banks and other
lenders.
- File a report with your local Police or the
Police in the community where the identity
theft took
place.
- Contact PhoneBusters National Call Centre.
PhoneBusters is currently central sourcing all pertinent
information on Identity Theft to identity trends and patterns,
information is also used to assist law enforcement
agencies in possible investigations.
Remember: There is no reason
to be paranoid; there's just reason to be careful. If
someone wants desperately to target you, they can probably
get a lot of information about you --
so you just need to minimize the criminal's
opportunities to get that information. You can
make yourself a harder target and that the best defense. If
you are a victim, do not panic, you will not be out
any money. The
losses will be attributed to the banks and
or companies associated
with
the
fraud.
Minimize The Risk
While you probably can't prevent identity theft
entirely, you can minimize your risk. Identity theft is on the rise and
it can happen to anyone. It can happen
to you. By managing your personal information
wisely, cautiously
and with an
awareness of the issue, you can help guard
against identity theft.
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