Identity Theft

Here are a few tips to help you protect your identity and your information from identity thieves:

• Sign all your credit cards as soon as you receive them and never lend them to anyone.
• Shred all personal and financial information (e.g., bank statements, credit/ATM receipts, credit card offers, credit card bills, etc.) before you throw them away.
• Be careful about sharing or disclosing your personal information. Do not give personal information out over the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you are the one who initiated the contact and know the person or organization with whom you are dealing. Before you share any personal information, find out how it will be used and if it will be shared.
• Pay attention to billing cycles or to a lack of mail being delivered to your address. It is possible a fraudster is illicitly intercepting the mail.
• Take advantage of technologies that enhance your security and privacy when you use the Internet, such as digital signatures, data encryption, and passwords through programs like Verified by Visa^®.
• Be aware of others nearby when entering your Personal Identification Number (PIN) at an ATM.

• Record or keep an ATM PIN, password, or Social Insurance Number (SIN) in your wallet.
• Volunteer any personal information when you use your credit card.
• Give any personal information such as birth date or credit card information over the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet, unless you have initiated the call and know the business you are dealing with is reputable.
• Give out your SIN, or any bank account details, unless you are dealing with the government, your employer, or your bank directly, and initiated the contact. Your employer will need your SIN for income tax reporting purposes, and your bank account number for payroll purposes.
• Leave receipts at ATMs, bank counters, or unattended gasoline pumps.
• Leave your purse or wallet unattended at work, restaurants, health clubs, in a shopping cart, or at social gatherings.
• Lend your credit cards to anyone, ever.

For more information download the complete copy of Protect Your Personal Information: Tips and Tools to Help Safeguard You Against Identity Theft. (pdf 79K).