Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes today. Identity thieves prowl the internet for victims and, once found, gather personal information that allows them to clear their victim’s bank accounts or take out loans or credit cards in their name.

You can do your part to protect yourself from identity theft by understanding how it works, how to recognize you’ve been a victim, and how to minimize your risk.

How identity theft occurs

Email and Website “Spoofing” or “Phishing: Cyber criminals send emails to their victims that appear to belong to legitimate businesses, such as a financial institution or cell phone company. These emails will often direct the victim to click on a link, which goes to a professional looking website that fools people into thinking it is from that company. The victim is then asked to provide sensitive information such as a username and password. The criminals use this information to get personal data they can use in various fraud schemes.

Theft of Payment Cards and Documents: Thieves steal purses or wallets and use the personal information they find to assume the victim’s identity. With that identity, they can try and obtain credit or other benefits in the victim’s name.

Theft of Medical Information: Cyber criminals can even use medical information—such as a victim’s Personal Health Number—to assume his or her identity or get unauthorized access to personal information. The thief can use this information for fraudulent medical care or to gain financial advantage in the victim’s name.

How do you know you’re a victim of cybercrime?

The signs can be many, but typical indicators that your identity has been stolen include:

• A creditor informs you that an application for credit was received with your name and address—but you didn’t apply for it (i.e. Home Depot, Sears, Future Shop, The Brick).
• You receive a phone call or letter that states you have been approved or denied by a creditor that you never applied to.

Minimize your risk

• When at work, make sure you’ve secured your personal information at your workstation so it’s not readily accessible to passers-by.
• Ensure your credit card, bank, and phone accounts are password protected.
• Do not keep a written record of your PIN numbers, social insurance number, or computer passwords where a thief can easily find them.
• Immediately report lost or stolen credit cards or any discrepancies in your monthly statements to your credit card company.
• If you receive an unexpected email from a company or organization you deal with, treat it with suspicion—particularly if it asks you for personal information. Do NOT click on any links. If you’re in doubt, call the organization’s customer service line.

Questions?

If you have questions about our Information Security policies, please send them to IMITSSecurity@phsa.ca.