WebWatch at Stratford Public Library

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada today. Identity theft occurs when someone's personal identity information is obtained and used without their knowledge, most likely for fraudulent purposes. Victims of identity theft often find that they must pay for the debts brought about by the perpetrator, and these can be quite large. Victims may also suffer losses of their credit rating and reputation. Following are some web sites that offer information about reducing your risk of suffering identity theft, what to do if you are a victim, and specific information about "phishing", a new form of identity theft.

Report on Identity Theft - http://www.psepc-sppcc.gc.ca/prg/le/bs/report-en.asp
This report, prepared by Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, offers an overall picture of identity theft in Canada: what it is, how it happens, the impacts, and how widespread it is. Information for both individuals and businesses is included. Click on "Consumers" for information on phishing.

Safe Canada.ca: Identity Theft - http://www.safecanada.ca/identitytheft_e.asp
This excellent web site provides an FAQ section on identity theft, a section devoted to seniors & identity theft, and information which will help to protect businesses as well as individuals. The issue of phishing is also addressed.

Canada Identity Theft and Fraud - http://canadian-creditreport.com/identitytheft.htm
How do you check your own credit report - which can give early warnings of identity theft? Check here to find out, and also to find out what to do if your ID, SIN, credit card, cheques or ATM card are stolen or lost.

Consumer Measures Committee: Identity Theft - http://cmcweb.ca/epic/internet/incmc-cmc.nsf/en/fe00084e.html
Two Consumer Identity Theft Kits are offered on this web site: one for individuals and one for businesses. The kits include tips for reducing your risk of being an identity theft victim and steps to take if it does happen to you. A link is also provided to the very useful Canadian Consumer Handbook 2006.

The Canadian Consumer Information Gateway - http://consumerinformation.ca/app/oca/ccig/main.do?language=eng
One of the Gateway's focus areas is identity theft. There's some useful advice on resolving problems resulting from identity theft, as well as a form to complete in order to declare a case of identity theft. A useful section on Spam is also included.

Web Tip If purchasing a service or product online, or if you are filling out a form requiring private information such as a Social Insurance Number, be sure to look for a small yellow lock in the lower right corner of the browser window. This lock shows that the page is encrypted and the information will be safe when passed over the Internet. Click here for a picture of this lock.

Canada 's Office of Consumer Affairs - http://consumer.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inoca-bc.nsf/en/h_ca02226e.html

Click on "Privacy Town", an interactive resource that can help users understand the importance of privacy with respect to personal information - and identity theft - at the bank, hospital, doctor's office, grocery store, video store, at work, at school or other places where such information is collected. An identity theft kit is also available.

Help Prevent Identity Theft from Phishing Scams - http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/email/phishing.mspx Learn about "phishing", a type of deception designed to steal confidential information, often leading to identity theft. Discover how to determine if e-mail is actually phishing, what to do about it, and steps to take if you have responded to e-mail that could be a phishing scam. Click on "Protect Yourself: Personal Information" for more detail.

Shopping Online - http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/computer-security/shopping_online.html Many people fear that online shopping may lead to the loss of confidential personal information. How can you know that your online connection is secure before giving your credit card number or other confidential information? How can you check the validity and the reputation of the company from which you are making an online purchase? Find out here! There's also links to information about phishing, spyware, cookies and wireless networks.