How to restore your identity in Canada after ID theft
Samantha Kohn, Freelance Blogger
* This article is sponsored by Equifax.
Are you spotting odd charges on your credit card or receiving letters about loans you didn't apply for? It could be a sign your identity has been stolen. Identity theft is on the rise, and it’s something to take seriously, as the results can be a real headache. But don’t panic — there are many ways to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of identity theft, and strategies to recover if it does happen to you.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. This can include your name, social insurance number (SIN), credit card numbers, or even access to your social media profiles. Once a criminal has this data, they can misuse it in many ways, from opening fraudulent accounts in your name to impersonating you online, leaving a mess for you to clean up.
These scammers are crafty, and they have plenty of ways to get your data, including:
- Phishing scams: These are fake emails or texts made to look like they’re from someone you trust (like your bank or your boss), encouraging you to share sensitive information.
- Hacking: Cyberattacks are on the rise, and data breaches at companies you do business with can expose your personal details. Plus, weak or overused passwords across multiple accounts make it easy for hackers to access your information.
- Social media oversharing: Posting personal details like family member names, addresses, or vacation plans can give scammers the information they need to guess your passwords.
- Mail theft: Bills or bank statements in your mailbox can be goldmines for thieves, so collect it regularly or buy a locked mailbox.
- Dumpster diving: Yes, people really go through garbage and recycling bins to find sensitive information, so put that paper shredder back on your birthday gift list — and use it.
How to restore your identity
Think your identity has been stolen? Here’s what you need to do right away:
- Report it to the police. File a report with your local police. This will serve as a record and may be required for the steps you’ll take down the road.
- Contact your financial institutions. Notify your bank and credit card companies right away to freeze or close affected accounts.
- Alert credit bureaus. Contact credit bureaus like Equifax to flag your account and prevent further damage.
- Call the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). If your SIN may have been stolen, it’s important to alert the CRA so they can protect your tax accounts.
Proactive identity restoration
Restoring your identity can be a long, frustrating process, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Services like Equifax CompleteTM Protection offer many features that help reduce the chances of becoming a victim of identity theft, but also support victims of identity theft to restore their identity and correct the damage caused.
Equifax Complete Protection is a multi-layered credit and cybersecurity service that includes access to an identity restoration specialist who can help you every step of the way. Equifax will guide you through restoring your accounts, correcting your credit report, and preventing future fraud.
Plus, Equifax Complete Protection offers identity theft insurance of up to $1 million (not available for new purchases in Quebec) to cover out-of-pocket expenses related to recovery.
featured product
Equifax Complete Protection is a credit and cybersecurity protection service designed to help Canadians spot the signs of identity fraud faster.
Provides daily credit monitoring and alerts
Scans for your personal data on the dark web
Social media monitoring by industry leader ZeroFox
Subscription price
$34.95 per month
Other features of Equifax Complete Protection
For $34.95 a month, Equifax Complete Protection customers get:
- Social media monitoring powered by ZeroFox to catch impersonation, phishing, or identity theft threats.
- Dark web monitoring with WebScan, alerting you if your personal info appears online.
- Daily credit monitoring to flag changes in your Equifax credit report, like new credit card applications.
- A Nord password manager and secure VPN to protect your devices and online accounts.
- Parental controls and device protection to safeguard your entire household.
The bottom line
Identity theft is frustrating, but doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Take charge of your recovery and use available tools to protect yourself moving forward — because safeguarding your identity today means fewer headaches tomorrow.
By acting quickly and taking advantage of tools like Equifax Complete Protection, victims of identity theft can restore their identity and take steps to prevent it from happening again. The key is to stay proactive and protect your information before scammers strike.
Get more details about Equifax Complete Protection.