ID Theft Prevention Tips
ID Theft Prevention Tips
Identity Theft Steals Your Good Name, Your Money…
Tips from your Berwick RCMP detachment:
- Don't give out your personal information over the phone or Internet unless you trust the source.
- Check your credit report every month and report any problems immediately.
- Shred unwanted personal documents such as transaction records, credit applications, insurance forms, cheques, financial statements and tax returns.
Deceptive Telemarketers Calling You? Call PhoneBusters!
- When a caller asks you to send money in order to claim a big prize, it's a fraud!
- When a caller asks for your personal information, don't provide it!
- You could lose your money and your identity.
- Call PhoneBusters to report fraud and to learn more about how to protect yourself…1-888-495-8501
Don't Fall For “The Big Prize” Scam
A caller says, "Just send me the money for the taxes and fees on your lottery prize and you'll be rich!"
This is fraud and you will lose your money! Hang up and call PhoneBusters.
Legitimate lottery and sweepstakes administrators never charge fees to deliver your prize. This is one of the most common scams - if you send money you will never get it back. Protecting yourself from fraud begins with learning to recognize it.
I Sent the Processing Fee but My Credit Card Never Arrived
Students, new Canadians and people who have experienced credit problems are often targeted by fraud artists who offer them low-interest loans and credit cards - for a fee. People who pay the fee don't receive their loan or card, and they never get their money back. Protecting yourself from fraud begins with learning how to recognize it.
More Tips to Help Prevent Identity Theft
Kings County Seniors' Safety Program
681-0048
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- Pay attention to your billing cycles. Follow up with creditors if your bills don't arrive on time.
- Guard your mail! Pick up your mail shortly after it has be delivered, don't let it sit in the mailbox for days.
- Use passwords on your credit cards, bank and telephone accounts. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name or birth date.
- Minimize the identification information and cards you carry with you in your purse or wallet.
- Do not give out personal information on the telephone, internet or through the mail unless you have initiated the contact and know whom you are dealing with.
- Shred or tear up receipts, credit card applications, insurance forms, physician statements or anything with your name and address on it before tossing it in the garbage.
- Give your SIN (Social Insurance Number) only when it is absolutely necessary. Ask to use other types of identification when possible. DO NOT carry your SIN with you.
- Protect your PIN (Personal Identification Number) when using your bank card. Ensure to hide the number as you enter it, and never give this number to anyone.
Two Rules to Remember
1.If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
2.Don't give away any information containing a number. This includes your birth date, address, telephone number, bank account or credit card numbers.
Keeping these two rules in mind when being approached, will go a long way in protecting your identity, your assets and your personal information.
Important Contacts:
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Report telemarketing solicitations and internet scams
1-888-495-8501
Charities Verification
To verify if a charity is registered through Revenue Canada
1-800-267-2384
cra-arc.gc.ca/chrts-gvng/menu-eng.html
Find out more about this and other public safety programs at the RCMP’s main website.