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 three major
credit bureaus. Equifax:
(866) 828-5961, for lost or stolen identification press
1, if you are a victim of identity theft press 2.
Trans Union: (800) 663-9980
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.
- Tips on
how to minimize your risk.
|
 |
List
of Scams
|
