What if someone was trying to be YOU?

You suddenly realize your wallet is missing!!! Whether it's stolen or lost, it is missing and one of your biggest concerns should be identity theft. Many other circumstances can lead to identity theft and it can happen to anyone. Having an action plan in place is your best bet to limit the damages a fraudulent person could try to commit on your behalf. Take the following steps to report suspected fraud or theft.

Call your financial institution. Have them cancel your cards and issue new ones. If you do not report a lost or stolen card immediately, you could be held liable for any losses.

After working hours, be sure to call 1-800-LOST-111 (1-800-567-8111) to report your stolen or lost debit card, master card or global payment card.

 Contact your local police. If a report is filed, be sure to include the police report number they give you in all correspondence you have relating to the theft.

Contact Canada’s main credit reporting agencies (below). Ask each one to send you a copy of your credit report, and discuss with them whether you should have a fraud alert placed on your file.

•Equifax Canada 1-800-465-7166 www.equifax.com
•Transunion 1-800-663-9980 www.transunion.ca

Replace your ID cards like health, driver’s licence or SIN by calling 1 800 O-Canada. An agent will be able to direct you to the appropriate federal and provincial organization to replace each of your cards. In Alberta, contact Service Alberta 310-0000 www.servicealberta.ca.

If your mail is missing, contact Canada Post at www.canadapost.ca. 1-800-267-1177, or call your local Canada Post Office.

Contact each organization that provided the identity thief with unauthorized credit, money, information, goods or services in your name, and ask them to investigate the occurrence as well as cancel and close all fraudulent or affected cards or accounts.

Find out the following:

* What information does the company need to begin an investigation?
* Has the company begun a criminal investigation? If so, what is the police report number?
* What do you need to do to have your losses reimbursed?

For advice on privacy issues related to the identity theft (PIPEDA) contact the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (1-800-282-1376 or www.priv.gc.ca). Note that Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta have separate privacy laws that are similar to PIPEDA, so if you live in one of these provinces, contact the corresponding Provincial Commissioner. In Alberta, contact the Freedom of Information and Privacy office: 1-780-427-5848 or www.servicealberta.ca.

To help stop fraud, be sure to report the incident to The Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre (formerly PhoneBusters). They gather information and intelligence about identity theft and provides advice and assistance to victims. 1-888-495-8501 www.antifraudcentre.ca

Think beyond the obvious… what else was in your wallet thieves might be able to use?

One final tip, make a photocopy of all credit cards and other contents of your wallet and store it in a safe place. Only carry what you absolutely need and NEVER keep your social insurance card or birth certificate in your wallet.

For more information and tips on protecting yourself from fraud as well as protecting your online transactions, be sure to stop by your branch and pick up a Defend Yourself from Fraud brochure!