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.
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See the
Solicitor General of Canada identity theft special report.
Check the latest Canadian
identity theft news.
Additional
identity theft
prevention information, and U.S. identity theft resources.
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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!
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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. |
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