Are You At Risk For Identity Theft
Identity theft is the unauthorized collection and use of your personal information.
Your risk of being a victim is not linked to your age, income, ethnicity or geographic location. Scammers don’t care about any of that…they just want your money.
Identity theft is the unauthorized collection and use of your personal information.
Your personal information includes things like:
Your name
Birth date
Address
Social Insurance Number
Drivers license number
HealthCard number
Credit or debit cards
Passport
Account passwords
Personal cheques
Personal receipts
Surprisingly enough, with these pieces of info, individuals can build a profile on you and damage your reputation by opening credit card and bank accounts, redirect mail, establish cellular phone or internet service, rent vehicles, equipment, or accommodation, secure employment, blah, blah, blah. You get the point. If this happens, you could be left with the big bills, large charges, bad cheques, and maxed taxes. All in your good name.
Minimize your risk and don’t be a victim by considering these points.
Protect your personal information. Even though you were told in kindergarten to share, don’t share this stuff. Never give out any of the information from the list above to people you do not know.
Notify your financial institution. If you lose a credit card, debit card or cheques or feel that your account info has been breached, make the call immediately.
Use your mind. Put any account and PIN numbers to memory, do not record them in your wallet or use obvious passwords that someone could figure out.
Trash Talk. Shred or tear up papers with personal info.
Pay attention to snail mail. Check your bills and bank statements for accuracy and if bills fail to arrive this is not necessarily a good thing. Ensure you mail is not getting re-directed; if it is, contact those companies sending you mail.
Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t carry out a transaction with a credit or debit card if you don’t feel comfortable.
Ask Questions. Understand what your personal info is being used for.
Thanks for checking out www.zippitydodog.com, the Kootenay's most relevant source of financial information for youth.
