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
