There are many websites you can visit to learn about practices which can reduce the risks to consumers from Identity theft. The following tips are from Royal & SunAlliance Canada (www.royalsunalliance.ca) with added comments from Debbie Squier-Bernst, Financial Wellness Expert from A Step Beyond.ca.
Here is some simple advice for Consumers which may save you from Identity Theft in your future:
- Only bring the debit or credit cards you need when shopping; leave everything else at home. Remember, you only need one credit card anyway. More than one credit card can get you into trouble by making you think you have more money to spend than you actually do.
- Keep track of what you've spent. This is probably the most important money management technique as well as a protection from identity theft. In order to be able to prove whether or not you've actually made a purchase you should always be checking your receipts or printouts from any purchases you've made whether from a store, gas station, convenience store, etc. against your actual statements when you receive them.
- Protect your PIN numbers. Do not keep a copy of your PIN numbers anywhere that thieves can get access to them, for example don't leave in your wallet, purse, bag or cell phone. Also, do not leave in your desk at work unless in a locked drawer. Thieves are also in the workplace.
- Review your credit report annually. This way you can identify any abnormal activity. There are two credit reporting agencies in Canada from which you can order a free report from their websites: Equifax: www.equifax.com/EFX_Canada & Trans Union: www.tuscores.ca/Personal/index.jsp?locale=en_CA
- Shred .statements, bills and direct mail. Do not throw these things in the garbage, identity thieves love to look through your garbage to see if they can find important information like your name, address, phone number, birth date and social insurance number. With this information there's pretty much nothing they can't do.
- Important to shred any cheque stubs from employers, especially if they contain your social insurance number as many do.
- Always check bank statements and credit card statements thoroughly. If you notice abnormal activity, contact your financial services provider immediately.
- Be aware of what personal information you are sharing and what measures are in place to protect it. When asked to reveal any personal identifying information, such as bank details or your SIN number, make sure you know how it will be used, if it will be shared and whom you are giving the information to.
- When shopping online, only shop on secure websites. Do not enter any personal financial information if you see a broken key or open padlock on your Internet browser.
