Could it happen to you?
On February 2, 2018 Grey County Ontario Provincial Police received a call from a resident in the Township of Georgian Bluffs reporting they were a victim of identity theft.
On January 25, 2018 an unknown female suspect, using a fake driver's licence and citizenship card, withdrew thousands of dollars from a TD Bank in Guelph. She then went to a TD Bank in London where she proceeded to transfer thousands of dollars. The suspect proceeded to go to a TD Bank in Waterloo where she attempted to transfer $46,000 however when the bank teller became suspicious and asked her questions in an effort to confirm her identity the suspect fled. The investigation continues.
Could identity theft happen to you?
Identity Theft refers to the collection or acquisition of someone else's personal information to conduct other criminal activities. Identity Theft can occur through the telephone, email, regular mail or the internet.
Fraudsters use a range of techniques to acquire a consumer's identity. It can be as simple as obtaining personal information through a dumpster dive or through more sophisticated means using technology such as phishing, skimming, malware, spyware and viruses.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Be wary of unsolicited emails, phone calls or mail asking for personal or financial information.
• Be aware of creditors or collection agency calls about an application or account you do not have.
• Stay current. Check your bank and credit card statements monthly and report any suspicious activity. Report any missing mail or statements right away.
• Shred all personal and financial documents.
• Obtain a credit report once a year through the two credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion.
Request that a "Fraud Alert" be placed on your file.
Minimize the risk of Identity Theft - Do Not give out any personal information in any form unless you have initiated the contact.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a fraud contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report online at http://www.antifraudcentre.ca.
source: media release, Grey County OPP
