A few weeks ago I received a call at home from an unknown number. I’m one of those people that doesn’t answer phone calls (or knocks on my front door) if I don’t know who it is so I ignored the call. The same number then called my cell phone so I answered thinking it could be related to my parents who are currently on vacation. It’s a good thing I answered because it was my bank calling to inform me that my business credit card had been compromised. I’ve heard of this happening to close friends and family members before but this was a first for me. I’m thankful my bank caught it right away and informed me but it was a good reminder for me on how quickly unauthorized people can access your banking or other personal information.
Have you, a family member or close friend ever been a victim of identity theft?
- 18% of Canada say yes
- 20% of those aged 18-34 say yes
- 23% from SK say yes (highest province)
What ID do you carry on your person?
- 32% of Canadians surveyed say SIN
- 20% of Canadians surveyed say Birth certificate
- 35% of Canadians aged 18-34 say SIN
- 22% of Canadians surveyed aged 35-54 say Birth certificate
- 5% of Canadians surveyed say Passport
So how can you protect yourself from identity theft? Keep items like your birth certificate, SIN and passport locked up in a safe place at home and be sure to shred your personal documents like bank statements and other personal documentation before recycling them. I use my Fellowes Powershred for anything that has personal information on it: bank statements, old flight boarding passes, envelopes with my address on them, all of my receipts, etc.
Deal Alert! You can save $50 on the Fellowes Powershred 11C at Best Buy from March 17th to March 23rd. An excellent deal plus it’s perfect timing right now during tax season!
#FellowesProtects Twitter Party:
Join us on Wednesday, March 1st at 8pm EST for the #FellowesProtects Twitter Party to learn tips for protecting yourself from identity theft. No RSVP for this party – just follow your hosts @FellowesCanada & @Listen2Lena and jump into the #FellowesProtects conversation starting at 8pm EST on March 1st. There will be valuable tips shared during the party that you don’t want to miss!
*Disclosure: I was compensated for this post; however, all opinions expressed here are my own.