PREVENTION TIPS

Signs of Identity Theft: If bills and credit card statements don't arrive when they should, financial account balances show withdrawals or transfers you didn't make or a creditor or collection agency contacts you about an account or credit card you haven't applied for, you may be a victim of identity theft.

If you think someone else is using your identity, there are things you can do:

• Identity theft is a crime and you should let your local police know as soon as possible if you think you have been a victim (you will need to file a police report)
• Take action immediately and keep a record of whom you've talked with and what was said
• Keep copies of all correspondence
• Download a copy of the Identity Theft Statement (pdf) and use it to notify financial institutions, credit card issuers and other companies that you have been a victim of identity theft
• Call the major credit reporting agencies: Equifax Canada Inc. at 1-800-465-7166 and TransUnion of Canada Inc. at 1-866-525-0262 (Note: Both companies have procedures in place to deal with ID theft and will put a warning on your file. These companies can also help you obtain and review copies of your credit record and report any false or incorrect information.)
• Contact Social Development Canada at 1-800-206-7218 or by visiting their website (external site) if you believe someone is using your SIN or if your card has been lost or stolen
• Contact PhoneBusters, a national anti-fraud call centre that gathers information on ID theft trends and patterns (Note: The information also helps law enforcement agencies in possible investigations. PhoneBusters can be reached toll-free at 1-888-495-8501 or by visiting their website (external site).)
• If your credit card is lost or stolen, notify the credit card issuer as soon as you notice the card is missing (Note: Get new accounts, cards and passwords. Under your province's Fair Trading Act, your maximum liability is $ (check with your province's Fair trading Act;) if the credit card was used after it was reported lost or stolen. If the lost or stolen credit card is used at an automated banking machine that requires a personal information number (PIN), you may be liable for all losses, so be sure to keep your PIN private.)