
Preventing Identity Theft
At home, you should:
- empty your mailbox daily
- store ID cards and ID documents in a secure place such as a locked fireproof safe
- shred documents/expired cards with personal information once you no longer need them
- check balances on your statements from banks, credit cards and companies often
- report any strange activities in your bills and statements right away
- check your credit report once a year for errors or strange activities
- avoid giving out any personal information over the phone unless you've placed the call yourself
- avoid giving out sensitive personal information over the phone when you’re in a public place
- don't put more than your name and address on your personal cheques
When shopping, you should:
- carry as few cards and documents as possible
- always check to see the credit card you get back from the cashier is your own
- never tell anyone your banking PIN or credit card PIN
- make sure no one is watching when you use a banking machine or ATM
- avoid using banking or cash machines in isolated or dimly lit areas
- avoid giving out too much personal information
When online or on your mobile device you should:
- change your passwords often and make them strong
- avoid posting personal information online such as your date of birth and mailing address
- make sure you review and understand the privacy settings on all social media sites you use
- disable the “geo-tracking” on your phone before posting public photos on social media sites
- before you sell/dispose of your computer/phone/tablet, wipe its hard drive or destroy the drive/device
- avoid online shopping/ banking when using public Wi-Fi
- before you give credit card info or financial info to a business, ensure it’s a secure website
- after a financial transaction online, sign out of the site & clear your browser’s cookies and cache
- ensure your computer’s anti-virus and other security features to detect malware are up-to-date
- don’t download apps/software on your phone/tablet unless they’re from official app stores
- government organizations/financial institutions/police never email/ text you asking for your passwords/PINs
- never click on a link from a spam message
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