Are you a victim?

With so many predators out there for your personal information, everyone is vulnerable. How do you know if you are a victim?

• Your bank statement contains transactions that you've never performed or authorized.

• A creditor informs you that an application for credit was received with your name and address, which you did not complete.

• You receive credit card statements or other bills in your name that aren't yours.

• You no longer receive legitimate credit card or bank account statements or you notice that not all of your mail is delivered.

• A collection agency informs you they are collecting for a defaulted account established with your identity and you never opened the account.

• Your cheque book or credit card goes missing.

If one of the above situations happen to you, and you think you might be a victim of Internet identity theft, you should then do the following.

• Notify your creditors and financial institutions immediately if your bank cards, credit cards or identification are lost or stolen.

• Take into consideration whether to close your bank accounts and then open new ones.

• Ask your bank to replace your existing bank card with a new one and assign a new PIN.

• Consider whether to cancel your credit cards and get new ones issued.

• Ask your creditors about accounts tampered with or opened fraudulently in your name.

• Notify your telephone, cable, and utilities companies that someone is or may be using your name to open new accounts fraudulently.

• If identification has been stolen, contact all issuers to have the ID coded as stolen. make sure to alert government organizations.

• If your SIN is lost or stolen, or if you suspect that someone has been using your SIN to get a job, contact Human Resources Development Canada.
  

• If your Driver's License is lost or stolen, contact your local driver and vehicle license issuing office.

• Contact Canada Post if you suspect that someone is diverting your mail.

Identity theft is a serious issue that can lead to severe results. The Internet is a luxury but it must be used with care and precaution. For me, I really wouldn't know what to do if I didn't have access to the web, it has become part of my daily life. I think the bigger its role is in your life, the more precautions you should take. On my computer I have anti-virus software as well as firewall installed to protect it. These softwares are somewhat costly, but a worthwhile investment for your longterm security.