Identity Theft

As defined by the government of Ontario Identity Theft is "when someone uses your personal information without your knowledge for criminal purposes". Cyber criminals use sensitive stolen information to try and access other personal services, such as financial accounts and spend money on your behalf, change password and info for your online accounts, apply for credit under your name, and commit crimes using your stolen identity. There is also another form of identity theft in which a person acts under your stolen credentials and instead of harming your financial life, it damages your reputation. (2)

How Could my Identity be Stolen?

Here are some of the most common ways everyday cyber criminals obtain sensitive information from their victims: By stealing mail, scavenging for personal information in your trash, and tampering with atm and card machines to steal your banking details. Although some information is more important to cyber criminals than others, here some details cybercriminals particularly look for. Your SIN number, drivers license, credit cards, and passport. (2)

How to Recognize Identity Theft

Many people become aware that they've been a victim of Identity theft after they have been denied a loan,job, rent, or credit due to their credit score. The Government of Ontario Recommends everybody to check their credit score yearly to check for any errors or suspicious activities. If you aren't sure you've been a victim of Identity theft here are some ways you can identify if you're at risk. (2)

• You receive phone calls from collection agencies or creditors calling for accounts you didn't create.
• Your bills and statements don't arrive or arrive later than usual. This could be that either your mail is being stolen or simply because the mailing address for those important documents has been altered.
• Unknown transactions that show withdrawals and transfers that were never made

How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

There are infinite ways on how to prevent Identity theft but here are just a few to give you an Idea on how to better strengthen your online security. (2)

• Empty or safeguard your mail. Crimials can easiliy access your mails which could contain sensitve info needed to breach other important accounts
• Store important documentation in secure places such as safes or fireproof storage devices for documents such as your SIN cards, ID cards, birth certificates, and passports locked up and safe.
• Shred all documents or items that are unneeded that contain private info such as credit cards, bank statements, expired passports.
• Avoid giving out personal information such as adressess, full names, emails, phone numbers , and SIN numbers to strangers.
• Never tell anyone your Bank Pin, or credit card Pin.
• change online passwords regularly and create stronge ones, avoid posting personal information online such as phone numbers, addresses, name, etc.
• Avoid the use of public Wifi as they could be unsecured, and update your antivirus/antimalware/Devices software to ensure all vulnerabilities and security features are patched and up to date.