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Identity theft is when someone acquires hold of/exploits
your personal information without your knowledge for criminal purposes.
The stolen information might be used to obtain access to
your financial accounts, hack into your online accounts, and defraud other
people. Once access your personal information is acquired, identity thieves can
also:
- Spend/transfer money from your accounts
- open new bank accounts
- change your passwords and contact information
for your online accounts - apply for credit cards, loans, and benefits
- rent a car or an apartment
- commit other crimes making use of your
credentials
Another type of identity theft is when someone opens up
accounts on social media websites or channels using your image, name, or other
information. While this may not bring harm to your financial state, it can harm
your public image.
If this occurs, inform the representatives of the social media site or website to find out how to take action against the account that is misleadingly exploiting your name or likeness. If the criminal action is involved for instance, if someone is making fake online accounts using your identity to harass you take screenshots of the suspicious activity and file a report with your regional police.
How Identity Is Stolen
Common
methods comprise of:
- looking for personal documents in your trash
- stealing your mail
- meddling with ATMs or card machines in shops to obtain
your banking information - taking personal information through public channels
(e.g., social media and telephone books)
Identity
thieves typically look for:
- credit cards
- passport
- bank cards and PINs
- SIN card
- driver’s license
Online
transactions can also have your identity stolen:
Strengthen your web security features by changing your
passwords regularly. Otherwise, it becomes easy for someone to access your:
- email (to steal financial and personal
information, schedules, etc.) - online shopping accounts (to obtain address and
credit card information) - banking accounts (to open new accounts, transfer
funds, or apply for loans) - government accounts (to change your contact
information on access benefits, government IDs)
Signs Of Identity Theft
- Statements and bills don’t arrive when they are scheduled someone could have been stealing your mail or someone may have tampered with the mailing address for you.
- You receive calls from creditors or collection agencies for an account you don’t have
- You receive notice from your credit card, bank, or online business about a new account in your name.
- financial account statements reveal transfers or withdrawals you didn’t make
- a creditor calls to say you’ve been denied or approved that you haven’t applied for
If Identity Is Stolen
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) legal help Winnipeg issues step by step guidance on what to do if you have mistakenly delivered your personal information to an unfamiliar person.
If you think your financial credentials have been breached, Cyber Fraud Lawyers advise you to put an alert on your credit report. This can aware those checking your credit to ensure they are dealing with you and not an imposter.
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