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, and even secure employment. 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 Kootenays most relevant source of financial information for youth.

Legal-type disclaimers:

Information contained herein is compiled from sources believed to be accurate, however, the author assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. The article was written for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. The author does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of web sites used as reference in this article.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Credit

More info in the Going to School Area: What is an RESP?

Check out Nelson's Youth Employment Resource Centre web site for school and education links