Identity theft

 Identity theft
 

 
Identity theft is not a new phenomenon, far from it. It's been around since then that you can make money by appropriating another person's identity. However, the advent of new technologies has changed that with the proliferation of computers, the Internet, smartphones and social media. In recent years, identity theft has become a more prevalent threat to those who fail to take proper precautions to protect their personal information. We all need to be prepared for the possibility of one day becoming a victim. In recent news, an internet security vulnerability called the Heartbleed bug was responsible for the Canada Revenue Agency's decision to suspend the tax filing website while it deals with concerns over tax reporting. security.

According to the 2013 Norton Report, an astonishing 68% of adult Canadians have been the victim of cybercrime in their lifetime and 42% in the past 12 months. This means that approximately seven million Canadians have been victims of cybercrime in the past year.

Cybercrimes can have a wide variety of repercussions. Sometimes it is enough to reset a password, but in other cases the consequences can be devastating personally as well as financially. In the most serious cases, the victim can take years and spend thousands of dollars to restore their credit and reputation.

Identity theft - what is it?

Identity theft is the use of an individual's personal information without their knowledge. This crime is often perpetrated simultaneously with other crimes such as fraud, counterfeiting and theft. Attractive targets for an identity thief include social insurance number (SIN), driver's license number, credit cards, debit cards, check books, phone cards, passwords, PINs (personal identification numbers), etc.

Typically, these individuals attempt to transact, obtain cash, merchandise or services before their identity can be detected or the true owner of the information becomes aware.

How to reduce the risk of identity theft

Be careful. The advice may seem simple, but the main way to fight identity theft is to be on guard when shopping and to protect your personal information at all times.

General advice

Do not reveal your personal information to anyone, whether in person, over the phone, or over the Internet, unless you are sure who you are talking to. "Phishing" is used frequently: the person impersonates a legitimate business or a representative of a government department in the hope of extracting your personal information or even taking control of your computer.

Beware of requests for personal information, and even more so when it comes to your social insurance number. Few people need to know your SIN: your employer, your financial institution, certain government services ... Consult the Service Canada website for the complete list.
Avoid carrying your NAS card with you if you don't need it. Instead, keep it in a safe place.
Be careful not to use your SIN as an account number for any other purpose. In some provinces, for example, the SIN is also the driver's license number. If this is your case, you can request that this number be changed if you wish.
If you still receive your mail at home, make sure your mailbox is locked. By getting their hands on your mail, an identity thief can gain access to your bank, credit card, tax data, and possibly even write checks in your name.
Shred all your sensitive information. Do not put them in the recycling or in the trash.
Always be careful when paying with your credit or debit card. "Skimming" is a process of stealing the information encoded on your card. Make sure your card is only passed through the payment reader.
Secure the computers and personal documents you keep at home. Be aware that anyone who has access to your home can steal your personal information.
Contact Equifax or TransUnion to get your credit report. Check it for any unusual entries or activities.
Pay attention to how your employer, health and dental professionals, and other institutions handle your personal information. If in doubt, ask questions