Identity Theft

Protect Yourself

Limit the information you give out. If a business asks for your personal information, you have the right to ask: Why do you need it and how will you use it?

Take steps to protect your personal information from identity thieves. For example, shredding bills or correspondence that contains personal or financial information will help keep it out of the hands of potential thieves who may sort through your garbage.

Carry with you only the documents you need and consider cancelling credit cards you don’t use. If you carry a birth certificate or a social insurance card in your wallet and they are lost or stolen, an identity thief may be successful in using them to open bank accounts, obtain credit or create debt in your name.

Check your credit reports regularly to look for evidence of fraudulent activity.

Find more tips on how to protect your personal information at www.cmc-web.ca or visit our Important Contacts page.