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Identity theft horror stories: Introduction
There always seems to be identity theft horror stories coming out right after the holiday shopping season. The holidays may be a time of good cheer, but for others who’ve been victimized by fraudsters and identity thieves, it can be a nightmare. Earlier in the month we posted a blog giving you 3 secret techniques to guard against identity theft, but we must still remain diligent.
- Identity theft horror stories: What more can you do to protect yourself against fraudsters & identity thieves?
- Identity theft horror stories: What can you do if identity theft happens to you?
- Identity theft horror stories: What should you do if you have your own Christmas credit card debt horror stories?
Identity theft horror stories: What more can you do to protect yourself against fraudsters & identity thieves?
According to Equifax, Canadian consumers have indicated that they’ve taken the following steps:
| · Shared less about self on social media | · 87% |
| · Used an up-to-date computer anti-virus product | · 81% |
| · Double-checked credit card statements | · 79% |
| · Shopped less online | · 56% |
| · Avoided using public WiFi | · 47% |
| · Used cash more often | · 46% |
| · Updated security passwords | · 43% |
| · Used an identity theft product | · 30% |
| · Checked my credit report | · 28% |
Identity theft horror stories: What can you do if identity theft happens to you?
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada advises that you document in writing everything that’s happened since you first became aware of the fraud and that you follow these 4 steps:
- Contact your local police and file a police report.
- Contact the financial institutions, credit card companies, phone companies, and other lenders for any accounts you suspect are opened or tampered with.
- Contact the two credit bureaus in Canada, Equifax and TransUnion. Ask that a “Fraud alert” be placed in your credit file. At the same time, order copies of your credit report and review them. Make sure all the accounts and debts that show up on your report are yours. Report any incorrect information to the credit bureaus.
- Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) toll-free at 1-888-495-8501 to report the fraud and get advice. The CAFC plays a crucial role in educating the public about specific mass marketing fraud pitches and in collecting and disseminating victim evidence, statistics and documentation, all of which are made available to law enforcement agencies.
Identity theft horror stories: What should you do if you have your own Christmas credit card debt horror stories?
Remember to always protect your personal information at home, online, on the phone and in public places and follow our 3 secret techniques to guard against identity theft. Everyone is a potential victim so be on your guard. Unfortunately even taking precautions is not 100% foolproof, so if you’re now experiencing serious financial difficulties as a result of identity theft or for any other reason, give Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. a call immediately. We can help you solve your financial problems with immediate action and a solid financial plan Starting Over, Starting Now.
