Identity theft is a crime in which an imposter obtains key pieces of personal information, such as a Social Security or driver’s license number, to impersonate someone else. The information can be used to obtain credit, merchandise, and services in the name of the victim, or to provide the thief with false credentials.
Identity thieves commonly use your name, date of birth, address, credit card number, Social Insurance Number (SIN) and other personal details to commit fraud. They can apply for credit cards and loans, redirect mail, sign up for cell phones, rent vehicles, buy and receive merchandise and even get a job. There are so many reasons to be vigilant about identity theft.
Tips to help prevent identity theft
Follow these cyber security tips and manage your personal information wisely:
- Be careful when using credit cards. Limit the number of credit cards you carry around and cancel ones you don’t use.
- Report lost or stolen credit cards and unfamiliar charges on your bill right away.
- Protect your Social Insurance Number (SIN). If a service provider asks for it, find out why they need it and if you can refuse to share it. Don’t carry your Social Insurance Number with you or leave it where others can access it.
- Keep your passwords safe and change them frequently. Don’t carry them with you or use things that are easy to guess. It’s easy for cybercriminals to get information commonly used for passwords like your birthdate or pet’s name from your social media accounts.
- Never leave receipts at bank machines or in trash cans.
- Shred or securely store financial statements and personal documents you don’t need and destroy pre-approved credit applications.
- Don’t give out personal information on the phone, by mail or over the Internet unless you have initiated the contact or know who you’re dealing with.
- Clear out your mailbox right away and shred receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements and credit offers.
- Pay attention to your billing cycle and ask about any missing account statements or suspicious transactions.
- Memorize and regularly change your PINs and computer passwords. Don’t write them down or use obvious information, like your birth date.
- Take advantage of technology that enhances security and privacy when using the Internet, like digital signatures, data encryption and anonymizing services.
- Make sure your debit card is swiped only once in the proper card reader and shield the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Check your credit score regularly from a credit reporting agency once a year to ensure it is accurate and doesn’t include debts or activities you haven’t authorized.
You can request a free copy of your credit report from either of the companies below.
Equifax
www.equifax.ca
1-800-465-7166
TransUnion
www.transunion.ca
1-800-663-9980
1-877-713-3393 (Quebec Residents)
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) takes the protection of taxpayer information very seriously and has measures in place to identify suspicious activity involving taxpayer accounts. If the CRA suspects that a taxpayer’s personal information has been compromised, the Agency will immediately take the necessary actions to prevent funds from being issued and notify the individual by mail.
If you suspect that your personal information has been compromised and you believe your tax information may be affected, please contact the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.