Identity Theft & Fraud Resources
This page will also provide you information to obtain Identity Theft Kit and SIP Events
| A. Financial Institutions and Some Useful Links: | B. Identity Theft & Phishing Books C. Center of Internet Security expertise
The CERT Coordination Center receives many calls and emails from people asking whether or not a message they received via email is true or not. The following list of resources can help you separate the hoaxes from the valid warnings. (In addition to these resources, there are also several papers in section VII. Papers and Articles that discuss how to identify a hoax.)
| 
| Identity Theft: Could it Happen to You? Maybe you never opened that account, or ordered an additional card, but someone else did....someone who used your name and personal information to commit fraud. When an imposter co-opts your name, your Social Insurance Number (SIN), your credit card number, or some other piece of your personal information for their use - short when someone appropriates your personal information without your knowledge - it's a crime, pure and simple. Are you a Victim? The signs can be many, but typical indicators that your identity is being used include: A creditor informs you that an application for credit was received with your name and address, which you did not apply for. Telephone calls or letters state that you have been approved or denied by a creditor that you never applied to. You receive credit card statements or other bills in your name, which you did not apply for. You no longer receive credit card statements or you notice that not all of your mail is delivered. A collection agency informs you they are collecting for a defaulted account established with your identity and you never opened the account.
Identity Theft Statement - What is it? If you have been a victim of identity theft, the Identity Theft Statement helps you notify financial institutions, credit card issuers and other companies that the identity theft occurred, tell them that you did not create the debt or charges, and give them information they need to begin an investigation. Make as many copies of the Statement as you will need to notify all affected companies. You will need Acrobat Reader to view the statement. Acrobat Reader download To print a copy of the Identity Theft Statement click here.It you suspect that your personal information has been hijacked and misappropriated to commit fraud or theft, take action immediately and keep a record of your conversations and correspondence. The following basic actions are appropriate in almost every case. Start a log of dates, person(s) that you spoke with and exactly what they said. Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus. Equifax: (877) 323-2598, for lost or stolen identification press 1, if you are a victim of identity theft press 2.
Trans Union: (877) 525-3823 except
Quebec residents (877) 713-3393 Northern Credit Bureau: Request that a "Fraud Alert" be placed in your files. At the same time order copies of your credit reports. Contact the fraud department of creditors for any accounts that have been opened or tampered with fraudulently. This may include credit card companies, phone companies, banks and other lenders. File a report with your local Police or the Police in the community where the identity theft took place. Contact PhoneBusters National Call Centre. PhoneBusters is currently central sourcing all pertinent information on Identity Theft to identity trends and patterns, information is also used to assist law enforcement agencies in possible investigations.
Remember: There is no reason to be paranoid; there's just reason to be careful. If someone wants desperately to target you, they can probably get a lot of information about you -- so you just need to minimize the criminal's opportunities to get that information. You can make yourself a harder target and that the best defense. If you are a victim, do not panic, you will not be out any money. The losses will be attributed to the banks and or companies associated with the fraud. Minimize The Risk While you probably can't prevent identity theft entirely, you can minimize your risk. Identity theft is on the rise and it can happen to anyone. It can happen to you. By managing your personal information wisely, cautiously and with an awareness of the issue, you can help guard against identity theft. Tips on how to minimize your risk.
| 
| List of Scams |
|
|
| 
|
|
|
  |
| IMPORTANT NOTICE: PHISHING & SPOOFING |
With the recent rise in email and internet
scams (phishing and spoofing scams), it is extremely important to never disclose
any of your personal information over the phone or online, unless you have verified
the authenticity of the individual or website.
Banks and Credit Unions assure you that they will never initiate
calls or send emails to there members asking for personal member information, such
as social insurance numbers, addresses, credit card numbers, etc. They routinely
asks for verification of clients contacting the institution. This is just one
of the security measures taken when conducting business transactions. If you
have questions or concerns regarding identity theft, please feel free to contact the bank or credit department |
 Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
It is estimated that 9.9 million Americans were victims of identity
theft in 2004. Identity-Theft is the fastest growing crime in America; 9.9 MILLION
victims were reported last year, according to a Federal Trade Commission survey!
Don’t become identity theft’s next victim
There are simple precautions that will keep your identity safe. We've provided
the following information as a courtesy to help protect you
from identity fraud and other criminal activities.
Review the links and information
on this page to learn how to protect your personal and financial information.
| If
your identity has been stolen, here's what to do: |
- Contact the fraud departments of any one of the three
major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. The fraud alert
requests creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any
changes to your existing accounts. As soon as the credit bureau confirms your
fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus will be automatically notified to place
fraud alerts, and all three credit reports will be sent to you at no cost.
- Credit
Bureaus: Experian , Equifax and Trans
Union
- Close the accounts that you know or believe have been
tampered with or opened fraudulently.
- Use the FTC's ID
Theft Affidavit when disputing new unauthorized accounts.
 (Adobe
Acrobat) - File a police report. Get a copy of the report to submit
to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.
- File
your complaint with the FTC. The FTC maintains a database of identity
theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations. Filing a complaint
also helps us learn more about identity theft and the problems victims are having
so that we can better assist you.
- If you believe you have been a victim of Mail Fraud, submit
a mail fraud complaint form with the Canadian Postal Inspection Service.
|
| Be Smart. Protect Yourself from Identity
Theft |
The following information is designed to safeguard your financial information.
|
| Credit
Card Fraud Protection |
| Credit card fraud generally occurs when
cards or card numbers are compromised. By following these simple guidelines your
potential for loss can be minimized.
Tips for protecting yourself against credit card fraud
1. Keep a list of all your credit cards including the account
number and phone number to the issuing company.
2. Review your credit card statement as soon as possible.
Match charges with your receipts to ensure all charges are yours and are for
the correct amount.
3. Always sign a new credit card immediately.
4. When making a purchase with a credit card, make sure your
get back the card and the receipt. Check the receipt for accuracy.
5. When using a credit card at a restaurant or store, make
sure that all blank lines are marked through so that no one can change the final
amount.
6. Never sign blank credit card receipts.
7. Only travel with the credit cards you plan on using.
8. Never give the account number of the credit card over the
phone unless you initiate the call.
9. When making an order over the telephone, try to avoid using
a cordless phone. Cordless phones messages can be easily intercepted by devices
as unsophisticated as baby monitors and police scanners.
10. Do not write the PIN for the account on the card. |
Identity
Theft Protection |
 Identity
theft can occur when an individual obtains personal information, such as your
social insurance number, date of birth, address, and financial account numbers.
Once this information is obtained, the thieves will assume or take on your identity,
allowing them to illegally purchase items or obtain credit. By following these
simple guidelines, your potential for loss due to identity theft can be greatly
reduced.
Tips for protecting yourself against identity theft
1. Check your credit report on a regular basis to ensure the
information is correct.
2. Immediately tear up (using a shredder is even better!)
unsolicited credit card offers.
3. Never give personal information over the phone unless you
initiated the phone call.
4. Never give a credit card number over the phone unless you
have initiated the phone call.
5. Always be familiar with financial accounts that you currently
maintain. Verify statements and other information sent by your financial institution
for accuracy. |
| Cheque
Cashing Fraud Protection |
This guide provides tips for protecting yourself
against cheque cashing fraud. Cheque cashing fraud occurs when individuals use
information taken from your Cheque, or the Cheques themselves, to access your
accounts and commit fraudulent acts. By following these simple guidelines you
can greatly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
Tips for protecting yourself against Cheque cashing fraud
1. Always safeguard your Cheque. Do not leave your Cheque
out in an open area. Never leave your Cheque in your car or out on your desk
at the office.
2. Keep your blank Cheque and canceled Cheque in a safe place.
Put them in a vault or other secure location. Destroy old blank Cheque if you
are not going to use them.
3. Limit the amount of personal information printed on the cheque to your name and address. Use plain designed cheque. The fancier the cheque
the easier it is to forge the signature. Useful information for thieves includes
not only your account numbers, but information used to verify your identity,
such as your driver's license number, social insurance number, and secret codes.
Don't have this information printed on your cheque.
4. Don't leave your bill payments sitting in an unlocked mailbox
for pickup. Many credit thieves will steal bills from rural mailboxes at the
end of driveways so they can get your account information, checking information,
and even your cheque. Go to the Post Office directly or use a curbside USPS mailbox
(the blue metal ones) and drop your bills in the slot rather than using less
secure street mailboxes.
5. Be discreet when writing cheques in public places. Write
your cheques carefully and leave no space in which figures or words can be inserted.
6. When you make an error in writing a cheque , be sure to destroy
the cheque or write "canceled" across it and store it with your other canceled cheques .
7. If your cheques are lost or stolen, report it immediately
to your financial institution.
8. Reconcile your monthly statements as soon as you can to
ensure all transactions are accurate. Contact us immediately if you do not receive
it when expected. Be sure to contact your institution within that time frame
to ensure that proper attention is given to reconciling the problem.
9. When you reorder cheques , mark your calendar. If you don't
receive your cheques within 15 working days, contact your financial institution
immediately to inquire as to the status of the order.
10. Consider alternatives to cheque writing. For instance,
paying by phone, online, or setting up automatic payments. Fewer checks mean
fewer theft opportunities. |
| Automatic
Teller Machine Fraud Protection |
ATM fraud can occur when individuals lose
their card, give their card to someone else to use, or when their Personal Identification
Number's confidentiality is compromised. By following these simple guidelines
you can greatly reduce your exposure to ATM fraud.
Tips for protecting yourself against ATM fraud
1. Never write your Personal Identification Number (PIN) on
your card or in your wallet. Memorize your PIN as soon as possible. Do not reveal
your PIN to anyone not authorized to use the account.
2. Never use your date of birth, social security number, license
number or street address as a PIN -- those are the first numbers a crook will
try.
3. Don't throw away your ATM receipts at the ATM location.
Keep them to reconcile your account, then dispose of them properly when you get
home.
4. Always be aware of your surroundings when using the ATM.
If it is late at night, try to use a machine that is well lit and avoid dark,
remote locations.
5. Always make sure to retrieve your ATM card from the machine
when the transaction is complete.
6. Be aware of the person behind you. Make sure no one can
see you entering your PIN or how much money you withdraw.
7. Review your statement promptly to ensure all transactions
are accurate. Report any discrepancies immediately.
8. Destroy old ATM cards immediately after receiving your
replacement cards. |
ATM
Scams |
In addition to the types ATM fraud that most
of us are now aware of, there are two new types that can clean out your account
quickly -- card withholding and skimming.
Card withholding occurs when your card gets stuck in the ATM,
you can't get it out, and you leave the card in the ATM planning to contact the
financial institution the next morning. When you call you find that the card
was not stuck in the ATM. What happens is that thieves put a substance into the
ATM card slot which will cause your card to stick inside the ATM. They leave
the ATM and wait for someone to attempt to use the it. They then get in line
behind the you and try to watch you enter your Personal Identification Number
(PIN). This is very common at drive-up ATMs where the user may not be paying
attention to other people or cars nearby.
The thieves even go so far as to put up a sign on the ATM
stating: "If your card gets stuck, enter your PIN three separate times to
retrieve it." This gives them three tries to watch you enter your PIN. After
you leave frustrated, and planning to contact the ATM owner the next morning,
they remove your card with a pair pliers. They can then use your card at other
ATMs and Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals.
Skimming is done at businesses that offer Point-of-Sale (POS)
devices for you to pay with your ATM card, such as gas stations. The thieves
convince an employee to allow them to connect a lap top computer to the POS machine.
The lap top is usually stored under the counter where the POS device is located.
When you swipe your card in the POs device to make a payment the information
on the magnetic strip on your ATM card is copied and loaded onto a disk. Thieves
may also install a hidden video camera that records you entering your PIN. They
then match the magnetic information to the PIN and access your accounts. |
| Precautions
to take for countering these scams: |
1. Before inserting your ATM card into an
ATM inspect the card slot for any residue.
2. If there is residue, don't use that ATM. If there is a
notice on the ATM about entering your PIN several times, don't use that ATM.
3. Always cover your hand when entering your PIN: if the thieves
don't have your PIN, they can't access your account.
Actions for Fraud Victims
If you suspect fraud, it is important to act quickly to minimize potential damage
and your own liability. It is important to keep a detailed account of conversations
you have with authorities and financial institutions.
Credit Bureaus. Immediately call the fraud
units of the three credit reporting companies -- Experian (formerly
TRW), Equifax and Trans
Union . Ask that your account include a statement referencing the possibility
of fraud.
Creditors . Contact all creditors immediately
with whom your name has been used fraudulently -- by phone and in writing. Monitor
your accounts closely for any further fraudulent activity.
Law Enforcement. Report the crime to police
with jurisdiction in your case. Provide any documentation that you have collected.
Get a copy of your police report. Keep the phone number of your fraud investigator
handy and give it to creditors and others who require verification of your case.
Financial Institutions. If you have cheques
stolen or bank accounts set up fraudulently, contact the institution to report
the crime. Put stop payments on appropriate outstanding checks. Close your checking
and savings accounts and open new accounts. If your ATM card is stolen or compromised,
get a new card and PIN. When choosing a PIN, don't use common numbers like the
last four digits of your Social Security number, your date of birth, license
number or street address.
U.S. Postal Service. Notify the local Postal
Inspector if you suspect an identity thief has filed a change of your address
with the post office or has used the mail to commit credit or bank fraud.
Social Insurance Administration. Call to report
fraudulent use of your Social Insurance number.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) . Call
to see if another license was issued in your name. Go to your local DMV to request
a new number. Also, fill out the DMV's complaint form to begin the fraud investigation
process. Send supporting documents with the completed form to the nearest DMV
investigation office. Request a driver's license number different than your Social Insurance number if available in your state.
Civil Courts. If a civil judgment has been
entered in your name for actions taken by your impostor, contact the court where
the judgment was entered and report that you are a victim of identity theft.
If you are wrongfully prosecuted for criminal charges, contact the state Department
of Justice and the RCMP. |
|
IDENTITY RECOVERY
