Identity Theft FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions


What is identity theft?

Identity theft is the misuse of another person's identifying information. In true identity theft, an identity thief uses another person's Social Insurance number and other identifying information to fraudulently open new accounts for financial gain. Victims may be unaware of the fraud for an extended period of time, which can allow the criminal to continue the ruse for months or even years. The criminal can use the victim's identity to work, receive medical care and commit other types of fraud. Account-takeover and credit-related fraud are common problems associated with identity theft. Some examples of the many ways criminals use stolen identity information are to:

  • Obtain credit fraudulently from banks and retailers
  • Steal money from the victim's existing accounts 
  • Apply for loans
  • Establish accounts with utility companies
  • Rent an apartment
  • Obtain a job
  • Receive medical care
  • Achieve other financial gain using the victim's name

What is account takeover?


What can I do to protect my identity?

To reduce your chance of becoming a victim, check out our Consumer Tips. Find out how to protect your Social Insurance card, mail, checks, passwords, online activities, and much more.

What can I do to protect my computer and data?





What methods do identity thieves employ?


  • Taking advantage of "insider" access to names, addresses, birth dates, and SINs in personnel or customer files
  • Hacking into an organization's database to steal sensitive information
  • Purchasing fraudulent identities on the Internet or through a secondary market

What is debt tagging?



If you are contacted and do not believe the debt is yours, ask for proof of the debt. Debt collection agencies are required under provincial Consumer Protection legislation to provide debtors with proof of the debt they are attempting to collect.


What is child identity theft?


What is medical identity theft?

Medical identity theft is the misuse of a person's identity to obtain health care goods and services. Often the first time a victim gets wind of medical identity theft is when he or she receives a bill for services they did not receive. Other signs include non-familiar medical notes or mistakes in your medical record. If you are told that you have reached your benefit limit on your health insurance plan or you are denied disability insurance, you could also be a victim.To help detect this type of theft, you should check your medical files, through your physician, for fraudulent activity at least once a year. You can also obtain a copy of your “Statement of Benefits” from your provincial or territorial ministry of health, which would provide a summary or listing of all services received through your health card. Contact the provider immediately if you see descriptions of services unrelated to your own health care. The consequences of medical identity theft can potentially be disastrous for the victim of identity theft.

What is synthetic identity theft?


What is a data breach?


What is credit and fraud monitoring?

Credit and fraud monitoring involves monitoring your credit history for suspicious activity. Both credit bureaus offer credit monitoring for a modest fee, providing services such as allowing you to check your credit files every day for any fraudulent usage of your identity. To find out more about this service, see links for both credit bureaus on our Resources section.


What is a fraud alert or fraud warning?

A fraud alert or fraud warning is a statement that you can place on your credit report by contacting the two major credit bureaus. It signals to potential creditors that you may be, or are at risk of being, a victim of identity theft. What you should know to place a fraud alert or warning:

With TransUnion and Equifax

  1. If you have become the victim of fraud or identity theft, you may place a Fraud Warning free of charge. This warning will also remain on your credit file for 6 years.
  2. If there is no evidence of fraud, you can still put in place a Fraud Warning, which stays on your credit file for 6 years. There is a fee of $5.00, plus additional provincial taxes, for the placement of this warning.

How can I monitor my own credit?

You can monitor your credit by checking your credit report from both agencies at least twice a year. Under “consumer legislation”, every consumer has the right to get a copy of his or her credit report free from each of the credit reporting agencies. These agencies do not share information, so it is important to order your credit report from both in order to give you a complete picture of your current credit standing.

There are several ways for you to obtain copies of your credit reports. Refer to our “How to Order Your Credit Report” guide by clicking here.

Are there laws against identity theft?

Yes. In 2010 the federal government passed Bill S-4, which created three new Criminal Code offences related to identity theft including,

  • Trafficking in identity information, an offence that targets those who transfer or sell information to another person with knowledge of, or recklessness as to, the possible criminal use of the information.
  • Unlawfully possessing or trafficking in government-issued identity documents that contain the information of another person.

All three offences carry five-year maximum prison sentences. In addition, the legislation gives courts the power to order offenders to pay restitution to a victim of identity theft as part of their sentence.