What is identity theft?

• When dealing with phone solicitors, be very careful. If you're interested in what they have to offer, ask for their contact information so you can call them back at your convenience. Before calling back, confirm the contact information against another source. You can also confirm the contact information by checking with a reputable organization or the company the caller claims to represent.
• Don’t trust the caller ID. Scam artists can make their numbers appear legitimate.
• Ask questions—fraudsters don't like them. They'll quickly sense your scepticism and usually let it drop.
• If you have any doubts about whether the call is legitimate, cut it short.
• Never wire money using a credit card or otherwise and don't disclose personal information before confirming that the caller and the offer are real, even if they claim to be someone in authority like a police officer.
• Don't act on impulse. Before you accept anything over the phone, talk to friends or colleagues about it first.

• If possible, padlock your mailbox to reduce the risks of mail theft.
• Shred any mail that contains personal information.
• Before responding to mail offers, do a background check on the company or person making you the offer. An online search will often reveal stories from people who've been swindled by similar scams.
• Don't act on impulse. If you're interested in a mail offer, ask for a second opinion before you do anything.
• Don't put your name on the mailbox.

• Make sure your computer or tablet has up-to-date security software (spyware, firewall, antivirus software, encryption software and anti-spam software).
• Password-protect your wireless network.
• Before providing personal information on a website, make sure it's secure. The URL should start with "https" (the "s" indicating that it's secure) and there should be a padlock or key icon.
• Read the privacy policy of websites you visit. If there isn't one or it's unclear, don't use the site.
• If you open an account on a site, choose a strong password and never share it with anyone.
  Learn how to choose a strong password
• Always log out of secure sites rather than simply closing the page.
• After visiting a secure site on a public or shared computer, clear the browser cache.
• Look for the Verified.Me logo when you sign up for online services. This app helps you share your data in encrypted mode for enhanced security. Find out more about the Verified.Me app.

• Never disclose your PIN.
• Never leave your credit and debit cards out in the open, at home or at work.
• When you receive a new card, make sure you sign it right away in permanent ink.
• Always make sure card transactions happen where you can see them—don't let your card leave your sight. And check to make sure the card you're handed back at the end of the transaction is really yours.
• Memorize your PIN so you don't have to write it down.
• Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

• Have everything ready before you get to the ATM so you don't have to go through your pockets, wallet or purse.
• If you require assistance, ask someone you trust to come with you, or ask for help from a bank employee.
• Don't forget to collect your card and receipt.
• Don't use an ATM or payment terminal if you suspect it's been tampered with, for instance if any parts move or fall off when you touch them. Report anything strange to your financial institution
• Don't use the ATM if you don't feel safe.

Social networks sites facilitate open communication and the creation of virtual networks where people can exchange with friends the world over. It would be natural to think that "virtual friends" are also friends in the physical world, but is that really the case? In these virtual communities, a stranger can easily pass himself off as a friend and gather personal information about you for fraudulent purposes.

This is why we recommend you never include the following information about yourself in your profile:

• phone numbers
• address
• date of birth
• spouse and children's names
• any other piece of personal information

This information can be used by scammers to steal your identity.

Private or public profile?

When you create your profile, we recommend you do not accept the site's default security settings.

Instead, ensure that your profile is private so your information is not available to all Facebook members, for example, and do not automatically allow virtual friends to email you. Read and understand the Security Settings and Privacy Policy of each social network site you use.

Be aware that all information you publish on a social networking site automatically becomes property of the site. By accepting the site's terms of use, you accept that your photos, postings, email address and date of birth can be sold to third parties.

If you decide to go on a social networking site, follow our advice and assume that, no matter how many precautions you take, whatever you post is available to the entire Web community, including cybercriminals operating on these networks.

Resources

• Personal Information and Scams Protection – A Canadian Practical Guide: Internet Safety - External link. This link will open in a new window. – Royal Canadian Mounted Police