no fraud for you! how to fight identity theft

No Fraud For You! How To Fight

Identity Theft

Identity theft is a little like Seinfeld. It’s been around for

what seems like forever and it’s likely not going

anywhere any time soon.

What is Identity Theft?

A fraudster collects your personal information, steals

your identity, and yada yada yada your money is

stolen.

How does Identity Theft affect me?

In 2013, identity theft fraudsters stole over $11 million

from nearly 20,000 Canadians – rumored to be the #1

Airing of Grievance during Festivus.

How to fight Identity Theft

The good news: Identity theft isn’t inevitable. Use the

following tips and you’ll prevent fraudsters from

stealing your money.

Be cautious of unsolicited emails,

telephone calls and mail

Never give your personal

confidential information

to unrecognized or

suspicious companies

over the phone,

through email,

or in person.

Carry fewer official documents

Carrying official documents

with sensitive personal

information on you at all

times is reckless. Leave

that stuff at home.

Monitor your credit reports, bank

statements and credit card statements

Use Equifax Canada or TransUnion

Canada to

Contact your financial institution if you

notice any questionable payments on

your bank or credit card statements.

check your credit activity.

Never let anyone handle your debit or

credit cards

Don’t let cashiers or servers handle your card during

purchase. Fraudsters can steal your credit card

information by simply passing your card over their cell

phone.

Learn more

Shred personal financial documents

before throwing them out

Bank and credit card statements

contain account numbers,

addresses, and other personal

information. Shred or rip up official

documents before tossing them.

Keep your personal identification

numbers secret

Never write your debit or credit

card PINs down on paper or in

an electronic document. And

be wary of Close Talkers at the

ATM who may look over

your shoulder.

Notify your post office and financial

institutions when you move

Homeowners or tenants in your old home may not look

suspicious but why chance your financial documents

in their possession?

Report any instances of Identity Theft

If someone has stolen your identity, immediately

contact the following:

– The police to file a police report

– Your financial institution and credit card company to put a

hold on your accounts

– The two national credit bureaus to place a fraud alert and

potentially erase the fraudulent activity

• Equifax Canada

• TransUnion Canada

– The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for further assistance

Be the Master of your

Financial Domain

Identity theft isn’t going anywhere. Fraudsters

constantly find ways around new security measures to

poach your identity. Using the previous tips will help

fight their attempts and keep your money and credit

lines safe.

Arm yourself with the latest fraud-prevention tips at

www.nationalleasing.com