By Sharon Elliott for the Spectator & NovaNewsNow.com
Identity theft has been called the “crime of the 21st century.” It claims millions of victims across North America each year. In fact, at a recent identity theft conference held in Halifax, participants where informed that the criminal profits arising from identity theft have now surpassed those associated with the drug trade. That means billions of dollars a year in Canada alone.
Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information. Identity fraud occurs when someone uses your stolen information to pose as you and then apply for credit cards and loans, open bank accounts to write bad checks, and to get new government documents such as driver’s licences and SIN cards.
Identity thieves are very clever and can use many different ways to try and steal your personal information.
Fraud artists will steal wallets and purses, take mail from your mailbox, and even steal your paper recycling bags to look for your personal information.
So, here are a few steps you can take to counteract these tactics:
1) Remove unnecessary cards and information from your wallet/purse. You do not need to carry your SIN card, birth certificate, or passport. You rarely ever have to use these pieces of personal information. Although, it isn’t illegal for someone to ask you for this information, that doesn’t mean they need it or should have it. These pieces of information can be used to steal your identity and are very valuable. Keep these documents at home in a safe location.
2) Collect your mail as soon as possible and make sure to read all of your credit card statements, bank account information, and department store mail. You want to make sure that the information being sent to you is accurate. You also want to make sure that you are not getting a surprise bill from a department store or a new credit card bill that you have not applied for.
3) Shed or burn all papers with personal or financial information that you wish to discard. This would include financial statements, bills, receipts, credit card offers, and checks for your credit card account. You don’t want this kind of information going in your recycling for someone to steal.
4) Do not give out credit card numbers, bank account information, SIN, your name, address, your mother’s maiden name, passport information to anyone calling you over the phone, contacting you by mail, or emailing you no matter how official it looks or sounds. If you are in doubt, and wonder if your bank, Internet provider, Revenue Canada, telephone company, etc....may be trying to contact you - you can contact them at the publicly listed number in the phone book to check on the issue.
And remember, if you are a senior in Annapolis County you can always receive assistance through the Seniors’ Safety Program by contacting Sharon Elliott at 665-4481, 825-2000, or by email at sharon.elliott@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
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