The following tips will help you minimize your risk, guard your personal information, documents, computer, and contents and be vigilant in protecting yourself and identity.

Guard your personal information and documents

• If any of your key documents (such as birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, credit card, bank card) are lost or stolen, notify the issuer immediately
• Shred or destroy sensitive personal documents before tossing them into the garbage or recycling
• Beware of mail, phone or internet promotions that ask for personal information
• Cut up expired and unused credit and debit cards
• Lock your household mailbox if possible
• If you use ABMs or point-of-sale terminals, shield the entry of your PIN
• Don’t leave personal information lying around at home, in your vehicle or at the office
• Find out how your employer ensures your personal information is private
• Put only your name and address on your personal cheques
• Carry only the documents and cards you need

Keep your computer and its contents safe

Computer technology makes it easier for criminals to access personal and financial information. Thwart identity thieves by taking these precautions.

• Use a personal firewall
• Disable file-sharing software thereby preventing unauthorized access to your computer
• Install virus protection software and update it regularly
• Be careful what you open. Email from strangers could contain viruses or programs to hijack your internet connection and damage your computer
• Don’t send personal information via email
• Make sure you truly delete all personal and confidential information before selling, recycling or discarding your computer. Even though you’ve deleted files from folders, remnants may still be on the hard drive. Use a secure hard drive overwrite utility to reduce this risk
• Shop and bank safely online at websites that use encryption and secure pages for your information
• Be vigilant. Stay on top of all the little details – this can make a big difference!
• Get a copy of your credit report once a year. By checking this information, you can spot debts that aren’t yours and see who has been asking about you
• Know when your credit card, financial statements and utility bills are due. If they don’t arrive when they should, contact the company
• Pay attention to credit card expiry dates. If the replacement card doesn’t arrive, call the company
• Keep credit card, debit card and ABM transaction records. Use these to match them to your statements
• Review your bank and credit card statements. Report any discrepancies immediately
• Memorize all personal identification numbers and key passwords
• Keep your key documents secure. These include your driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, Social Insurance Card, citizenship or immigration documents