A Guide to Preventing Identity Theft

Whether you're making an online purchase, scheduling a doctor's appointment, or paying your credit card bill, technological advancements have made everyday tasks more convenient for Canadians with just the click of a button. However, while technology has enhanced our lives, it has also made our personal information more accessible to cybercriminals. You may not think you're at risk, but identity thieves are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to steal financial and personal data. While identity theft may not be entirely preventable, staying alert and taking proactive measures can help reduce its impact on your financial and personal security.

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone unlawfully obtains your personal information to commit fraud, often to gain access to money or credit in your name. Imagine your personal details as a puzzle—losing one piece might seem insignificant, but when multiple pieces fall into the wrong hands, a criminal can construct your identity. With just a few details, such as your name, birthdate, home address, or credit card number, fraudsters can impersonate you and make transactions under your name. From opening new credit cards and mortgages to taking out car loans, identity thieves can carry out various fraudulent activities without you even realizing it.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

1. Safeguard Your Credit Card Information

Do you carry multiple IDs in your wallet? Many Canadians do, but it may be time to rethink what you keep on hand. Carry only the credit cards you use frequently and store the rest securely at home. Also, don’t underestimate the risks of expired credit cards—fraudsters can still use these to extract valuable data. Always destroy old cards properly. Additionally, never share your credit card details over the phone or via email unless you fully trust the recipient and have confirmed that the communication is secure.

2. Shred Sensitive Documents

Although cyber-attacks are on the rise, criminals still go through trash to steal personal data. Before discarding documents such as old cell phone bills, bank statements, or expired credit cards, think twice. These items contain valuable information that fraudsters can exploit.

Investing in a home shredder is a simple yet effective way to safeguard your identity. Shredding documents makes it much harder for criminals to reconstruct your information. Additionally, when disposing of old bank or credit cards, cut them into pieces and spread them across multiple garbage bags over several days to deter fraudsters searching through trash. If you're ever unsure about whether to keep or dispose of a document, opt for shredding. A few seconds of precaution can save you a significant amount of trouble down the line.

3. Register for the Do Not Call List

Tired of receiving unsolicited telemarketing calls? You’re not alone. Thousands of Canadians deal with unwanted sales calls every year, making it crucial to be cautious about sharing personal details over the phone. One way to protect yourself is by signing up for the Do Not Call List (DNCL), a government-managed registry that helps reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive. Legitimate businesses are legally required to avoid contacting numbers on this list, but scammers often disregard these regulations.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to represent your financial institution, don’t be quick to share personal details. Instead, ask for a callback number and verify its legitimacy online before proceeding. Another option is to simply end the call—hanging up on a suspicious caller may feel impolite, but it could prevent identity theft.

4. Keep Your Anti-Virus Software Updated

As cyber threats continue to evolve, protecting your devices with up-to-date security software is crucial. Regularly updating your firewall, anti-virus software, and anti-spyware ensures that your devices remain protected against malicious attacks.

Even if you recently purchased a new laptop, it’s still vulnerable without proper protection. Installing robust security software on all your devices—whether a smartphone, tablet, or computer—can help protect your personal data from cybercriminals attempting to infiltrate your systems.

5. Shop Online Safely

Online shopping offers convenience, but it also presents risks. To keep your financial information secure, verify that the website you’re purchasing from is legitimate. Check that the URL begins with “https” (not “http”) and look for a closed padlock icon, which indicates a secure connection.

If you’re using public Wi-Fi at a café or library, avoid entering your credit card details until you're on a secure, private connection at home. Public networks can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks, making it easier for hackers to steal your personal information. When in doubt, wait until you’re in a safe environment before completing an online transaction.