Identity theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information to commit fraud. For example, identity thieves may order merchandise in your name, steal money from your bank account, apply for and use a credit card in your name or use your name to evade the police.

You can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft by following these guidelines:

• Do not reveal your bank account personal identification number (PIN) to anyone. For example, stand in a way that makes it difficult for others to see the numbers you enter when you use an automated banking machine (ABM) or pay by direct debit.
   
• Do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you contacted the other person first and know with whom you are dealing.
   
• Ask how the information will be used or shared before you reveal personal information.
   
• Do not use passwords that are easy to guess (for example, your mother's maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your phone number) for accounts you access by phone or the Internet.
   
• Remove mail from your mailbox promptly, have Canada Post forward your mail if you change your mailing address and deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes.
   
• Pay attention to when bills usually arrive each month and follow up if bills do not arrive on time.
   
• Keep items with personal information (for example, bills, income tax forms, receipts) in a safe place and destroy them when you don't need them any more.
   
• Tear up or shred any unwanted credit applications you receive in the mail.
   
• Carry a minimum number of identification and credit cards with you.
   
• Keep your Social Insurance Number (SIN) card in a secure place. Provide your SIN only when necessary (for example, on income tax forms or when you start a new job).

For more information, see the Tip Sheet on Identity Theft on the Service Alberta website.

Date Updated: Nov 01, 2007
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