The Most Important List …We Hope You’ll Never Use!
If you suspect that you have become a victim of identity theft:
1. File a report with the local police. Ask for the case reference number, and the officer’s name and telephone number. If you choose to obtain a copy of the police report, make sure it states your name and SIN.
Windsor Police Fraud Division
Phone: 519-255-6700 ex. 4330.
Email: fraud@police.windsor.on.ca
2. Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. The national anti-fraud call centre is jointly managed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police and Competition Bureau Canada. They provide advice and assistance about identity theft.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Phone: 1-888-495-8501
3. Call Canada’s two national credit bureaus. Ask for a free copy of your credit report. Review it for any suspicious activity. Also check to see if your credit file should be flagged. This will indicate that your personal information has been put at risk and may be vulnerable to fraud.
Canada’s two national credit bureaus
Phone: Equifax (866) 828-5961 and Trans Union (800) 663-9980.
4. Contact your financial institution and put a hold on all accounts that have been or could be wrongfully accessed by the identity thief.
5. If you suspect there has been a fraudulent change of your address, contact your main postal office in person.
Canada Post Local Main Office: 401 Ouellette Ave, Windsor, ON
6. If you suspect an inappropriate use of your identity in connection with tax violations, contact the Canada Revenue Agency.
CRA Phone: 1-800-959-8281
We suggest that you keep these contact numbers with your list of credit card and bank account information. You may not always be able to prevent identity theft, but the sooner you begin to stop it, the less damage it will cause!
Wondering what items you should shred in order to help prevent identity theft? Start here.
