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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.
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: (800) 465-7166 and
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.
- Identity
Theft:
Tips that will help minimize your risk
- Identity
Theft: Could it Happen to You?
- How
to Create a Money-Saving Budget You Can Stick To
- Budget
Baby Steps
- 0
% Percent Financing
- Personal
Debit Card Protection
- How
the Exchange & Your Financial Institution help
prevent debit card fraud
- Estate
Planning, Tax Planning and Will Planning
- How
to Repair Your Credit History
- Insurance
and Financial Security at Retirement: Think Ahead!
- Take
the Time to Read Your Insurance Policy
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