Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world. Clever thieves can use your personal information to steal your money, therefore taking out loans and credit cards in your name. The crooks can even buy a car – destroying your credit rating in the process.
Luckily, there is a new tool to help educate Albertans. The Government of Alberta has teamed up with the Edmonton Police Service to develop an educational DVD. Identity theft is completely preventable, but consumers just have to take the proper precautions.
The new education kit and DVD focuses on mail theft and the other most popular ways thieves gain access to your personal information. The kit is available to organizations, and employers who want to provide seminars or information sessions about how to prevent identity theft.
Get breaking National news
Between 2002 and 2006, Albertans lost a total of $4.7 million to identity theft.
Lloyd Snelgrove, the Minister of Service Alberta, says, “Identity theft…is a problem of enormous proportions and one of the most effective ways to combat this is to join forces and tackle the problem together. With the creation of the ‘Changing Faces’ awareness program, that’s exactly what’s happening.”
To get your free DVD and education kit, call 1-877-427-4088.
Here are some tips to protect your information:
• Shred all personal and financial documents.
• Only carry the ID and credit cards you need.
• Don’t fill out forms for contests or draws. Many of them put your information in the hands of telemarketers.
• Don’t give out personal information to anyone without asking why they need it.
• Be vigilant. Know when your bills are due. If they don’t arrive, call.
• Protect your PIN (personal identification number) and change it often.
• Get a copy of your credit report every year to watch for unusual activity. Contact Equifax or TransUnion. It’s free to have it mailed to you.
© September 11, 2007: Global News Edmonton
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.