Identification, Debit and Credit Cards |
- Don't carry your birth certificate or Social Insurance Number (SIN) card in your wallet
- Carry only the credit cards and identification you actually need
- Never leave personal identification and/or credit cards in your vehicle
- Cancel credit cards you no longer use and keep a list of ones you use regularly
- Lower the limits on your credit cards so that thieves can't get away with large amounts of cash
- If you lose your credit card(s), notify your creditors immediately and request that a fraud alert be placed on your file
- Disclose your SIN only when necessary
- Never give credit card or banking information over the phone, unless you initiated the call or know who you are dealing with
- Beware of phone solicitations asking for personal details
- Periodically check your credit report
- Photocopy the contents of your wallet
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Passwords |
- When creating passwords and Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), avoid using your birth date, a series of consecutive numbers, or other dates others may know are important to you
- Choose difficult passwords and change them periodically
- Ask that your accounts require passwords before any inquiries and/or changes can be made
- Never keep a record of your passwords or Social Insurance Number (SIN) in your wallet or handbag
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Documents and Mail |
- Ensure that all items containing personal information such as charge receipts, bank statements, etc. are disposed of safely
- Always shred receipts, copies of credit card applications, insurance forms, and physician statements
- Pay close attention to billing and mailing cycles
- Put outgoing mail in post office collection boxes
- Promptly remove mail from your mailbox upon delivery
- If you are going to be away from home, ask a trusted friend or neighbour to pick-up your mail or have Canada Post activate a 'hold mail' service
- Avoid mail solicitations disguised as promotions that request personal information
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Banking |
- Never leave receipts at bank machines, bank wickets, in trash cans, or at gasoline pumps
- Arrange to have cheques picked up at your bank branch
- Don't have your full name printed on your cheques. Use your first initial to prevent a would-be thief from knowing your full name
- Keep all your receipts and reconcile them with your statements
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