Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information for criminal gain. Typically, perpetrators commit identity theft for financial gain.
Personal information such as passwords, identification, social insurance numbers and more can be sufficient for thieves to gain access to your private accounts.
Over the years, thieves have become increasingly creative in finding ways to steal information. To obtain your information, thieves may steal your mail, wallet, passport or online passwords.
Telephone and text message scams have also targeted unsuspecting consumers. In the past few years, there have been an increase in text message scams that claim to represent major financial institutions. The texts will claim that the recipients account has been suspended and the text will ask users to click a link to submit their account information.
Another rapidly growing avenue of identity theft is online. Resourceful scammers have found ways to mimic popular banking sites or social media channels in order to gain access to an individual’s.
Nearly all identity theft is committed for financial reasons. With your personal information, scammers can:
If you have been the victim of identity theft, it is important to act quickly.
The RCMP provides specific directions for people that have been the victim of identity theft. For details, visit the RCMP website here.
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