Identity theft can happen to anyone at any time. It’s estimated that ID Theft costs Canadians about 21.5 million dollars per year. While it's impossible to ensure that your identity is never stolen, there are a number of simple things you can do to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
Don’t give it out
Make it a rule to never give out your personal information such as your full name, birth date, bank account or credit card information over the phone, through the mail or via the Internet, unless you have specifically initiated the contacted and know and trust the person or company you are dealing with.
Check your statements
Check your bank, credit card and account statements regularly for activity. It is a good idea to keep your receipts from the past month and carefully compare your transactions with your monthly statements. If you notice an unusual transaction be sure to contact your financial institution to discuss it.
Check your credit report
Be sure to check your credit report annually. Doing so, will not only help you keep track of the status of your personal credit, but it will also help you identify any fraudulent activity should your identity be stolen.
If you think you’ve become a victim of identity theft contact your financial institutions and the police immediately.
Click here for more information and resources on fraud prevention.