Protecting Yourself from Online Fraud and Identity Theft

October 18, 2023
Protecting Yourself from Online Fraud and Identity Theft
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With so much of our personal and professional lives being conducted online it’s never been more important to know how to spot and prevent digital fraud and identity theft.

Storing sensitive financial information and data on our computers and personal devices is done without much thought to safety. However, identity theft affects people of all ages, backgrounds and income levels and older adults can be particularly vulnerable. Cyber criminals are using more sophisticated methods to try and defraud their victims. Fortunately, there are some relatively simple actions you can take to protect yourself.

Prevent Identity Theft

Identity Theft Prevention

  1. Be careful about sharing your personal information online.
  2. Protect your online accounts by using strong passwords.
  3. Check your bank and credit card statements regularly for charges that look suspicious.
  4. Ensure your computer and devices are protected with online security and privacy safeguards.
  5. Beware of common phishing scams.
  6. When using social media sites, frequently check your privacy settings.
  7. Be suspicious if you receive a phone call from a family member urgently looking for money to bail them out of a difficult situation.

If you think you might be a victim of identity theft or have fallen victim to an online scam, there are steps you can take to recover.

Recover from Identity Theft

Steps you can take to recover from an online scam

Identity Theft Recovery

  1. Gather as much information about the fraud or scam as you can including receipts, messages and financial statements.
  2. Contact your local police force to report the incident. Get a file or case number for future reference.
  3. Contact your financial institutions and closely monitor your accounts and statements. If you’ve become a victim of identity theft, you might wish to sign-up for a credit monitoring service.
  4. Report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by phoning 1-888-495-8501. You can also contact the RCMP.
  5. Change your passwords, privacy and safety settings on all websites including social media and your online accounts.

You can’t always prevent online fraud or identity theft, but by following these measures, being cautious and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your chances of being a victim. For more information on current scams and fraud, as well as recovery, you can visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre(opens in a new tab) and Province of Ontario(opens in a new tab) website.

This article provides general information relevant to PSPP members but it is not to be relied on as legal or financial advice. Please note, while we refer to other sources for additional guidance, OPB is not responsible for the content provided on external websites.