Stolen Identification – Immediately report stolen identification to the police. Get a police report number.
Stolen Credit Cards – Report immediately by phone, and request replacements (with new card numbers.) Follow up in writing.Stolen Cheques – Notify your bank.
ATM Cards – Obtain new ATM cards and new passwords.
Place Fraud Alerts with the credit bureaus:
- TransUnion: 1-877-525-3823
- Equifax: 1-800-465-7166.
HRDC – Contact Human Resources Development Canada if someone is using your Social Insurance Number.
See the Solicitor General of Canada identity theft special report.
Additional identity theft prevention information, and U.S. identity theft resources.
Prevention and Detection
Review your credit card and bank account statements and inform the lender or bank of unauthorized items as soon as possible.
Be wary of unlocked, unattended mailboxes for incoming and outgoing mail. Notify Canada Post if credit card statements or Revenue Canada statements have not been delivered. (Confirm with the sender, first, that they were actually mailed.)
Shred personal documents and preapproved credit offers before disposal. Use caution when providing personal information.
Review your personal credit report at least once a year!
What to look for on your personal credit report…
Unexpected inquiries, address changes, or account activity on your credit report can indicate an identity thief has tried (or succeeded) getting credit in your name.
Investigate any listed loans, credit cards, or public records that are not yours.
Look for account balances and current or late payments on accounts that you know should be listed as closed or inactive.
Identity thieves often work by changing the mailing address on a new or existing account in your name. Without a credit report, you are unaware of a problem until months later, when collectors contact you, based on previous address.Your personal credit report can provide early warnings of identity theft!