Protect yourself from fraud

• Don’t be fooled by the promise of a valuable prize in return for a low-cost purchase.
• Be extra cautious about calls, emails or mailings offering international bonds or lottery tickets, a portion of a foreign dignitary’s bank account, free vacations, credit repair or schemes with unlimited income potential.
• Don’t be afraid to hang up the phone, delete the email or close your Internet connection.
• Don’t purchase a product or service without carefully checking out the product, service and company.
• Don’t be afraid to request further documentation from the caller so you can verify the validity of the company.
• Don’t disclose personal information about your finances, bank accounts, credit cards, social insurance and driver’s license numbers to any business that can’t prove it is legitimate.
• Shred unwanted personal information such as bank statements, credit card bills, unwanted receipts, cheques, pre-approved credit applications and old tax returns.
• Check your credit report every year and report problems immediately.
• If a scam artist contacts you, or if you’ve been defrauded: Report it! Your reports are vital to the anti-fraud efforts of law enforcement agencies.

Where to get more information

Major Credit Bureaus

Acting quickly can minimize the damage and help prevent further fraud or theft.

1. Notify us immediately if you suspect fraud or identity theft. We can provide advice on how to limit access to your credit card or financial accounts and investments.
2. Call the police and file a report. Keep a copy of the report for your records.
3. Change your PIN and passwords immediately.