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What it is and what you can do about it
Every year, thousands of people are victims of identity theft.
While recent developments in telecommunications and computer processing make it easier for companies and consumers to reach each other, they can also scatter your personal information more widely, making life easier for criminals.
Identity theft is the unauthorized collection and use of your personal information, usually for criminal purposes.
Your name, date of birth, address, credit card, Social Insurance Number (SIN) and other personal identification numbers can be used to open credit card and bank accounts, redirect mail, establish cellular phone service, rent vehicles, equipment, or accommodation, and even secure employment.
If this happens, you could be left with the bills, charges, bad cheques, and taxes.
How to fight identity theft
Minimize the risk. Be careful about sharing personal information or letting it circulate freely.
When you are asked to provide personal information, ask how it will be used, why it is needed, who will be sharing it and how it will be safeguarded.
Give out no more than the minimum, and carry the least possible with you.
Be particularly careful about your SIN; it is an important key to your identity, especially in credit reports and computer databases.
Don’t give your credit card number on the telephone, by electronic mail, or to a voice mailbox, unless you know the person with whom you’re communicating or you initiated the communication yourself, and you know that the communication channel is secure.
Take advantage of technologies that enhance your security and privacy when you use the Internet, such as digital signatures, data encryption, and “anonym zing” services.
Pay attention to your billing cycle. If credit card or utility bills fail to arrive, contact the companies to ensure that they have not been illicitly redirected.
Notify creditors immediately if your identification or credit cards are lost or stolen.
Access your credit report from a credit reporting agency once a year to ensure it’s accurate and doesn’t include debts or activities you haven’t authorized or incurred.
Ask that your accounts require passwords before any inquiries or changes can be made, whenever possible.
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