Identity theft is the unauthorized use of your personal information by fraudsters, which includes your name, date of birth, address, social insurance number, and other personal details for criminal purposes.
What should you do if you think you are a victim of identity theft?
You should immediately contact:
Also, be sure to keep records of recent purchases, payments, and financial transactions; and carefully review all account activity for unauthorized transactions.
Tips to protect yourself**:
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Never provide your personal information over the phone, via text message, email or the internet.
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Avoid public computers or Wi-Fi hotspots, such as in coffee shops, to access or provide personal information; they put you at risk.
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Create strong and unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Password-protect your devices and home Wi-Fi network.
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Use a secure and reputable payment service when buying online—look for a URL starting with “https” and a closed padlock symbol.
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Avoid giving out personal information on social media. It can be used along with your pictures to commit fraud.
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Always shield your PIN when using your card. If you hand it over to a cashier, never lose sight of it.
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Shred and destroy documents with personal information.
Learn more about spotting common frauds and scams:
For more helpful tips, visit the Government of Manitoba website.
**Source: The Little Black Book of Scams.
