If you have been a victim of identity theft, you’ll want to take these steps immediately:

1. File a police report. You’ll need this to report the theft. Keep the original and make copies for others who need it.

2. Notify the credit bureaus. Report the fraud immediately to the three major credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. One company should notify the other but be sure to ask. Ask that a “fraud alert” be placed on your file.

3. Contact your bank or credit card company if you have had your credit card or cheques stolen or wrongfully obtained.

4. Contact PhoneBusters National Call Centre by phone or email. Go to www.phonebusters.com or call 1-888-495-8501. This is a government organization designed to track, investigate and help victims of fraud.

5. Investigate new accounts. Review your credit report, preferably from both major bureaus, and contact all unknown creditors listed under New Accounts or Inquiries. Explain that you are an ID Theft victim and ask them how you can file a report. They’ll likely want proof of your identity, and a copy of the police report.

6. Check your address. Check with Canada Post to see if a change of address has been filed. Also notify them if you suspect the imposter has used the Canadian Mail in their crime (for example, if they have mailed change of address notices or credit applications).

7. Check your cheques. One unsuspecting consumer bought magazines from a young door-to-door salesman. Within hours, a fraud ring had made up fake cheques and was going on a spending spree with his account. If you suspect that your cheques are being used fraudulently contact the major credit verification bureaus to file a fraud alert.

8. Check your passport. Alert Passport Canada to make sure no one orders a passport with your information (either a replacement or a new one). You can visit their website at www.ppt.gc.ca or contact by phone at 1-800-567-6868.            

Excerpted from "Identity Theft".  Reproduced with permission of Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada Inc., www.consolidatedcredit.ca.

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