Street shots of consumers

Introduction shot of RCMP S/Sgt. Lou Morrisette sitting down with a colleague, looking over a report.

Melanie: Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada. In fact, a recent poll uncovered that one in four Canadians has been a victim of identify theft, or knows someone who has.

Staff Sergeant Lou Morissette with the RCMP Commercial Crime Branch says that when your personal information falls into the wrong hands, the results can be devastating.

S/Sgt. Morissette on camera

Cutatway shots of person looking at bank account information online.... Person looking over paper bank statement or credit card statement.

S/Sgt. Morissette: An individual that is victimized by identity theft can have their social insurance number compromised or taken or their bank account information accessed. This can greatly affect your credit rating. For example, this tends to happen at the worst possible times when you’re applying for that new car loan or re-mortgaging your house.

S/Sgt. Morissette on camera…
Closeup shot of person looking at papers in a blue box.
Bank statements being thrown into blue box.

Person using bank card at ATM.
Woman using bank card at ATM with man standing behind her.

S/Sgt. Morissette: Criminals can obtain your personal information by looking in your trash. It’s important to shred any personal documents. This would include bank statements, credit card applications.

When you’re utilizing the ATM, it’s important to protect your PIN number at all times. Be very conscious of ATMs that don’t look right. Be very conscious of shoulder surfing or hidden pinhole cameras.

We’re asking Canadians to do three simple things to combat fraud… recognize it, report it, stop it.

Woman on the phone

Melanie: If you or someone you know has been a victim of identity theft, it’s important to contact the right people immediately.

S/Sgt. Morisette: If you suspect that you’re a victim of ID theft or fraud, contact the fraud departments of Equifax or Trans Union. Request that a fraud alert be placed on your file. Also obtain copies of credit reports so you can verify your current credit standing.

Contact your bank, contact your credit providers, contact your other money lenders. It’s also very important to contact your local police and file a report with PhoneBusters.

Person Shredding important documents before throwing them in the trash.

Melanie: And while you probably can't prevent identity theft entirely, you can minimize your risk.

S/Sgt. Morissette on camera…
Person shredding documents.
Woman taking SIN card out of wallet and putting into safety deposit box.

S/Sgt. Morissette: We urge that you check your bank statements, your credit card statements, shred any and all personal documentation. Don’t carry your Social Insurance Number or birth certificate around in your wallet. Minimize the identification you do carry. Don’t give your PIN to anyone. Safe-guard it at all times.

Person on Phonebusters website

Melanie: The federal government and police are encouraging consumers to protect themselves with information and awareness by checking out www.phonebusters.com . PhoneBusters should also be your first call if you have become a victim of identity theft, along with your local police force.

Melanie Saunders reporting.

Information at end of video:

• Phonebusters
  1-888-495-8501
  www.Phonebusters.com
• Public Safety Canada
  http://ps-sp.gc.ca/index-en.asp