Your identity is valuable—and criminals know it. Identity theft costs Canadians hundreds of millions annually, with Ottawa residents among the victims. From stolen mail to data breaches, criminals find many ways to steal your personal information and ruin your credit.
Protecting yourself from identity theft requires understanding how it happens and taking proactive steps to safeguard your information.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Identity theft occurs when criminals use your personal information (SIN, birthdate, banking) to commit fraud. Protect yourself: shred documents, monitor credit, use strong passwords, be careful what you share. Check credit reports regularly and act immediately if you notice suspicious activity.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Ongoing Risk | Year-round |
| 📍 Report To | Equifax, TransUnion, Police |
| 🎟️ Free Credit Reports | Available annually |
| ⏰ Act Fast | If identity stolen |
How Identity Theft Happens
Physical Methods
Old-school theft still works:
Mail Theft:
- Stolen from unlocked mailboxes
- Financial statements, tax documents
- New credit cards intercepted
- Government mail with SIN info
Dumpster Diving:
- Discarded documents retrieved
- Bank statements and bills
- Pre-approved credit offers
- Medical records
Wallet/Purse Theft:
- Driver’s license
- Credit cards
- Health card
- SIN card (shouldn’t be carried)
Mail Redirection:
- Criminal redirects your mail
- You don’t know documents are missing
- Takes over accounts
Illustrative image only.
Digital Methods
Online information theft:
Phishing:
- Fake emails requesting information
- Fake websites capturing credentials
- Text messages with malicious links
- Phone calls requesting details
Data Breaches:
- Company databases hacked
- Your information exposed
- Sold on dark web
- Used months or years later
Malware:
- Keyloggers capture passwords
- Spyware monitors activity
- Ransomware encrypts data
- Installed through fake downloads
Public Wi-Fi:
- Unencrypted connections intercepted
- Man-in-the-middle attacks
- Fake hotspots
Social Engineering
Manipulating people:
Pretexting:
- Caller pretends to be from bank/government
- Creates scenario requiring your information
- Uses fear or urgency
Social Media Mining:
- Birthdate from profile
- Mother’s maiden name from posts
- Pet names (common passwords)
- Address and family information
Warning Signs
Your Information May Be Stolen If:
Financial Red Flags:
- Unfamiliar accounts on credit report
- Bills for services you didn’t order
- Collection calls for unknown debts
- Denied credit unexpectedly
- Missing mail or bills
Government/Tax Issues:
- CRA says you already filed taxes
- Benefits denied because “already claimed”
- Unknown addresses on government correspondence
Account Problems:
- Unfamiliar transactions
- Password resets you didn’t request
- Locked accounts
- New accounts you didn’t open
Protecting Yourself
Physical Security
Safeguard documents:
Secure Your Mail:
- Lock your mailbox
- Consider PO box for sensitive mail
- Collect mail promptly
- Use Canada Post FlexDelivery
Shred Everything:
- Financial statements
- Pre-approved offers
- Medical documents
- Anything with personal information
Protect Documents:
- Store important papers securely
- Keep SIN card at home (not in wallet)
- Limit what you carry
- Photocopy wallet contents (stored safely)
Digital Security
Protect online information:
Strong Passwords:
- Unique for each account
- Long and complex
- Password manager recommended
- Change if breach reported
Two-Factor Authentication:
- Enable everywhere available
- Use authenticator apps over SMS when possible
- Essential for banking, email
Safe Browsing:
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for banking
- Use VPN when necessary
- Watch for https://
- Be suspicious of links
Email Safety:
- Don’t click unknown links
- Verify sender identity
- Don’t download unexpected attachments
- When in doubt, contact company directly
Illustrative image only.
Information Sharing
Be cautious:
Don’t Share:
- SIN unless legally required
- Full birthdate unnecessarily
- Mother’s maiden name publicly
- Banking information by phone/email
On Social Media:
- Limit personal details
- Check privacy settings
- Be careful what you post
- Don’t accept unknown connections
Monitor Your Credit
Credit Reports
Check regularly:
Free Annual Reports:
- Equifax: equifax.ca
- TransUnion: transunion.ca
- One free report per year from each
- Check both bureaus
What to Look For:
- Accounts you don’t recognize
- Inquiries you didn’t authorize
- Incorrect personal information
- Addresses where you’ve never lived
Credit Monitoring
Additional protection:
Services Available:
- Paid monitoring services
- Alerts for new accounts
- Dark web monitoring
- Identity theft insurance
Consider If:
- Previous identity theft victim
- Data breach affected you
- High concern level
- Budget allows
Fraud Alerts and Freezes
Stronger protection:
Fraud Alert:
- Requires extra verification for new credit
- Free to place
- Lasts several years
Credit Freeze:
- Blocks new credit entirely
- Must be lifted to apply for credit
- Stronger protection
If Your Identity Is Stolen
Immediate Actions
Act fast:
-
Contact credit bureaus
- Equifax: 1-800-465-7166
- TransUnion: 1-800-663-9980
- Place fraud alert or freeze
-
Contact financial institutions
- Close compromised accounts
- Change all passwords
- Request new cards
-
Report to police
- Ottawa Police: 613-236-1222
- Get report number for documentation
-
Report to CAFC
- 1-888-495-8501
- antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
-
Contact CRA
- If tax fraud suspected
- 1-800-959-8281
Documentation
Keep records of:
- All communications
- Dates and names of contacts
- Report numbers
- Copies of fraudulent documents
- Time spent resolving issues
Recovery Process
Expect a challenge:
- Resolution can take months
- Multiple contacts often needed
- Document everything
- Consider identity theft affidavit
- May need legal assistance
Ottawa Resources
Reporting
Ottawa Police Service:
- Non-emergency: 613-236-1222
- For identity theft reports
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre:
- 1-888-495-8501
- antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
Credit Bureaus:
- Equifax: 1-800-465-7166
- TransUnion: 1-800-663-9980
Support
Victim Services:
- Assistance navigating process
- Emotional support
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I check my credit report? A: At least annually from each bureau. If concerned, check more frequently. After a known breach affecting you, check monthly for a while.
Q: Is my SIN enough for someone to steal my identity? A: SIN alone helps but isn’t usually enough. Combined with name, birthdate, and address, it’s powerful. Never share your SIN unless legally required.
Q: Will my bank reimburse me for identity theft losses? A: It depends on circumstances. Banks have different policies. Report quickly, follow their procedures, and document everything. Not all losses may be covered.
Q: Should I pay for identity theft protection? A: Consider free options first (fraud alerts, credit monitoring). Paid services add convenience and insurance. If you’ve been victimized or are at high risk, paid services may be worthwhile.
Q: A company had a data breach—what should I do? A: Change passwords immediately. Monitor credit reports. Consider fraud alert. Watch for phishing attempts using your data. Accept free monitoring if offered.
Final Thoughts
Identity theft is a pervasive threat that requires ongoing vigilance. The criminals who steal identities are sophisticated and persistent, using both old-fashioned methods and cutting-edge technology.
Your best defence combines practical steps (shredding documents, securing mail) with digital hygiene (strong passwords, two-factor authentication) and regular monitoring (credit reports, account statements). No system is perfect, but these measures significantly reduce your risk.
If you do become a victim, act quickly. The faster you respond, the better your chances of limiting damage. And remember—identity theft is a crime, not a personal failing. Report it, document it, and get help.
Protect your identity like the valuable asset it is.
Source: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Office of the Privacy Commissioner, Equifax Canada - Compiled for Via Ottawa readers.
For more safety information, visit Ottawa Beware or explore Local News!
