It can happen!

Identity theft can happen. In 2003 over 5000 Ontario residents were victimized for over $12,000,000!
When an imposter co-opts your personal information without your knowledge it is a crime. It is that simple.
You can reduce your risks. Keep yourself informed!

Are you a victim? Has the following happened?

• A creditor informs you that an application for credit was received with your name and address and you did not apply for it!
• You get calls or letters telling you that you have been approved or declined for credit that you did not apply for.
• Your credit card statements or other mail in your name has stopped arriving or your mail is not delivered at all.
• A collection agency tells you that they are collecting for a default on an account established with your identity and you never opened the account.

Identity Theft Statement - What is it?

If you have been a victim of identity theft this statement helps you notify financial institutions, credit card companies and other companies that the identity theft has occurred, tells them that you did not create the debt or charges, and gives them information they need to begin investigation.

A prepared Identity Theft Statement can be obtained from Phone Busters at www.phonebusters.com

What do I do if I suspect this happened to me?

DON'T WAIT! Take immediate action.

• Start a log of dates, person(s) that you spoke with in regards to this and what exactly was said.
• Contact the Fraud Departments of the two major credit bureaus: Equifax: (800) 465-7166, Trans Union: (877) 525-3823
• Request a "Fraud Alert" be placed on your files. Order copies of your credit reports.
• Contact the Fraud Departments of creditors for any accounts opened fraudulently or that have been tampered with. This may include credit card companies, phone companies, banks and other lenders.
• File a report with the Police Service in the community where the identity theft took place.
• Contact Phone Busters National Call Centre. They are currently central sourcing all relevant information on identity theft to determine trends and patterns. They the share this information with local law enforcement.

How can I reduce the risk that I will be a victim?

• Before you reveal any personal information find out how it will be used and if it will be shared.
• Pay attention to you billing dates. If bills don't arrive on time follow up with creditors.
• Guard your mail. Deposit outgoing mail at the post office collection boxes or local post office. Promptly remove mail from your mail box after delivery. Ensure mail is directed to your new address if you move.

Reducing the risks...

• Use passwords on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts. DO NOT use things like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, or the last four digits of your SIN number or phone number.
• Minimize the amount of identification information and number of cards you carry with you.
• Do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the internet unless you have initiated contact or know well who you are dealing with.
• Keep all personal information in a safe place.
• Destroy all receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, and credit offers you get in the mail. Use a shredder or tear them apart.
• Don't leave receipts behind or sign blank charge slips.
• Give your Social Insurance Number ONLY when necessary. Use other forms of identification.
• Don't carry your SIN card, leave it in a safe place.
• Keep up on current events relating to identity theft.

For more information contact these resources:

Phonebusters
1-888-495-8501
www.phonebusters.com

Equifax
1-800-465-7166
www.equifax.ca

Trans Union
1-877-525-3823
www.transunion.ca

Better Business Bureau (Canada)
www.ccbbb.ca

Information provided courtesy of the London Police Service.

www.police.london.ca