What to Do if Your i.d. is Stolen

According to a 2008 survey of Canadian consumers conducted by the McMaster eBusiness Research Centre (MeRC) on behalf of the Ontario Research Network on Electronic Commerce (ORNEC), 6.5% of Canadians — almost 1.7 million people — were victims of some kind of identity fraud in the last year. These victims spent over 20 million hours and more than $150 million to resolve problems associated with these frauds. In the U.S.,  i.d. theft costs victims over $5 billion annually and it’s been estimated that 9.9 million Americans had to deal with this issue in 2003.

People find out their i.d.s have been stolen in myriad ways. There are the bills and statements that don’t arrive when they are supposed to. There are the calls from collection agencies or creditors for an account you don’t have or that is supposed to be up to date. There are the withdrawals or transfers from your bank account that you didn’t make. In S’s brother’s case, it was the fact that he was turned down for credit because he was already up to his eyeballs in debt… debt he didn’t know he had.

S wrote: My brother just found out he has been a victim of identity theft. He has four credit cards that he didn’t know about and 40,000.00 of debt. He went for a house mortgage and the bank said no due to this debt. What does he do now? How does he clear his credit? HE IS DESPERATE!!!!

If you’re a vicitim of i.d. theft, your road ahead can be long and winding. Here are some steps to take if you live in Canada:

  1. Call each card issuer to report the problem, cancel your cards and have them re-issue new ones.
  2. Contact your local police. Include the police report number in all correspondence you have relating to the theft.
  3. Report the incident to Phonebusters, Canada’s national anti-fraud call centre. They may also be able to give you some guidance.   (1-888-495-8501)
  4. Contact the credit reporting agencies and ask them to send you a copy of your credit report. Also place a fraud alert on your file:

You will likely have to replace your ID cards: your health card, driver’s license, and SIN. Call 1 800 O-Canada.

If your mail has been going missing – bills haven’t come that should –  contact Canada Post at (1-800-267-1177).

In the U.S. the steps are even more complicated because of the regional nature of banking.

  1. Contact the Federal Trade Commission toll-free at 1-877-ID THEFT (877-438-4338) or TDD at 202-326-2502, or mail to Consumer Response Center, FTC, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580.
  2. You, too, will want to get in touch with your local Postal Inspection Service if you think a change-of-address has been used to redirect your mail, or if the mail has been used to commit frauds involving your identity.
  3. Get in touch with the  Social Security Administration if you think your Social Security number is being used fraudulently (call 800-269-0271 to report the fraud).
  4. Call the Internal Revenue Service if you suspect the improper use of identification information in connection with tax violations (call 1-800-829-0433 to report the violations).
  5. Call the fraud units of the three principal credit reporting companies:
  • Equifax: (800) 525-6285 or write to P.O. Box 740250, Atlanta, GA 30374-0250.
  • Experian (formerly TRW): call (888) EXPERIAN or (888) 397-3742, fax to (800) 301-7196, or write to P.O. Box 1017, Allen, TX 75013.
  • Trans Union: call (800) 680-7289 or write to P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634.

Your journey to recover your identity has only just begun with these calls. You’ll also have to get in touch with all creditors with whom your name or identifying data have been fraudulently used. So, if your long-distance calling card has been stolen or you find fraudulent charges on your bill, you’ll have to call your long-distance carrier.

You will likely have to  close your bank accounts, place stop-payment orders on any outstanding debits that may not have cleared, and change your ATM card, account, and PIN.

Because of the way checks are cleared in the U.S., you should contact the major check verification companies if you have had checks stolen or bank accounts set up by an i.d. thief. If you know that a particular merchant has received a check stolen from you, contact the verification company that the merchant uses:

  • CheckRite — (800) 766-2748
  • ChexSystems — (800) 428-9623 (closed checking accounts)
  • CrossCheck — (800) 552-1900
  • Equifax — (800) 437-5120
  • National Processing Co. (NPC) — (800) 526-5380
  • SCAN — (800) 262-7771

Here comes the really hard part. Now you have to contact each company that provided the identity thief with unauthorized credit, money, information, goods or services in your name. Remember to use your police report number when you speak with them. Ask them to investigate the i.d. theft and cancel/close all affected accounts.? Make sure you find out:

  • What information the company needs to begin an investigation.
  • If the company will be doing a criminal investigation.
  • What you need to do to have your losses reimbursed.

Be sure to keep very good notes on the steps you take to report the fraudulent use of your identity. Even after the case has been resolved, errors can reappear on your credit reports or your information can be re-circulated. If this happens, you’ll be glad you kept your files.

Remember that in celebration of the launch of my new book Debt-Free Forever this week, I’m giving away 3 copies to people who write Success Posts over the next week (closing on Wednesday December 22 at midnight). It won’t be a random draw this time. I’m going to give away the books to the three people who write the funniest, most poignant and most useful (lots of tips) posts.

When you’re shopping for Debt-Free Forever, make sure you buy the one that’s appropriate to your country. The Canadian version has the Slice logo on the front. If you want to have a look inside the book, you can by clicking here.

Tagged : , ,

40 Responses to “What to Do if Your i.d. is Stolen”

  1. ID theft can be a real headache. I remember getting a call from my credit card company, they thought I was the victim of credit card theft, so they issued me a new card. My card hadn’t been stolen just all the information required to make purchases on the card had been stolen.

    The crappy part? They wouldn’t tell me where they suspect it was stolen. I’d rather know where they suspect it happened so that I don’t grace that business with my presence ever again.

    regards,

    Jason

  2. My niece had her PIN number copied last year at a video store. The night guy had rigged the overhead cam and used it to his advantage. She got a call from her CC company when he had used her pin to get banking info and used the CC as well. She had all her accounts linked together online as she banked with one institution. He used about $7000 of her credit and money from her accounts. She was not the only one. It really makes one helpless financially when that happens. It was a long drawn out affair gettng her money back. I think she got most of it, but it took months.

  3. This is my greatest fear. I have handled many very hard times in my life but I don’t know if I could handle this. See the plan that Gail has laid out is great but nontheless it is scary. I have worked so hard to be where I am, and to think that some stranger can one day totally mess it up and ruin my reputation for the sake of greed is unsettling.

    Gail you write about what to do if you have had your ID stolen, but what should we do to protect ourselves? I check my financial report every year and I am careful as to where any personal information is kept. Is there anything else I should be doing?

  4. Wow. What a great post. I have never had this happen to me and I hope I never do but if it does (or if it happens to someone I know) at least I have this to reference to get everything back on track.

    I really appreciate all of the advice you give on your blog. It helps so many people including myself. :)

  5. It happened to me and it has taken me years to clear this up. Apparently someone stole my ID and collected mothers allowance until I was contacted by RCMP from Montreal (I have never lived in Quebec- I live in Ottawa). There was govt debt to the tune of 30k in my name. I denied all charges of course however it damaged my credit for years and I cleaned it up myself. I never went to credit clinic of whatever they are called. Why pay someone to do what you can do for yourself? I have perfect credit now and I look at my credit constantly (every 3 months I order copy). A persoanl credit inquiry doesnt effect your credit score. Take care out there cause if you dont who will??
    Stacey

  6. Bravo Stacy! Wow to think that you went through that hell and have come out on top is inspiring.

    So was this morning’s newspaper acticle about those who are living on the street in the bitter cold. I always give to them but today they gave back. After reading the artice which was after posting here earlier I realized these people have little to no identity, at least that is how society treats them. I have to stop being afraid of having mine stolen and instead be grateful that I have one.

    And thanks to Stacy I realize it happens but its not the end of the world since she got out with perfect credit now. Worrying won’t get me anywhere but I can protect myself as much as I can and then appreciate what I have.

  7. I have a friend that had her identity stolen years ago and she still occassionally gets calls for debt that was incurred. She gives the caller the police report and detectives name. After all these years she is used to it but she truly thinks it will never go away.

    Question for everyone especially Stacey…… does it cost money to order a copy of your credit history? Also do people like one company over another? (Trans Canada vs Equifax)

    Thanks in advance for you answers.

  8. I don’t cary anything I don’t need.

    Why somebody would use a credit card for miniscule puchases, let alone ever larger is beyond me.
    I have seen people buying all kinds of small crap with CC cards.
    If you have to do that you have real money issues.
    My wallet is in a secured pocket and I ALWAYS know where it is.

  9. Prevent ID theft?
    A few tips:
    1- Do not carry you SIN card with you. It is NOT an ID card. Put it somewhere safe.
    2- Do not give you your SIN # to anyone who does not need it by law. (Do not put your SIN on your resume.)
    3- When using debit card and credit card, use both hands when entering your PIN so you can cover your fingers.
    4- Check your credit report regularly (1/year per office is free).
    5- Check you mail very religiously after requesting you credit report by mail to ensure that no one steals it.
    6- If you are missing a bill in the mail, check with the company.
    7- Have an extra wallet you carry around and use regularly. Put no more than one credit card in it and just a bit of cash. Do not put other ID in there (keep that in another wallet more safely on your person. If you get robbed, handing over that wallet will be less painful than all your ID (and only one CC company to call and change card #).
    8- Be careful what you post on the web. :)

  10. I’ve had many friends who have been victim to identity theft in the last two months. I find it interesting as they are also people who use their plastic religiously for everything.

    The one major bonus I’ve found when using Gail’s jar system, and putting my credit cards and debit cards on ice is that I HAVE REDUCED, EVEN ELIMINATED THE OPPORTUNITY FOR IDENTITY THEFT! The less you use these cards the harder it is to steal your life. I pay bills on line, so that’s a way to get me, and I’ve ordered school books from my University online, so that’s a way to find it, so there are ways, but I’ve drastically reduced my exposure to pin pad scams at many places. I’ve at least made it harder for these thieves to get me – they have to be pretty good hackers to get through the systems.

    I’ve also noticed that you get many funny looks at some places when you walk in to pay cash for your purchases! It’s almost like they’ve forgotten what to do with it!

  11. @Angela: It doesn’t cost anything to get your credit info from TransUnion or Equifax – you just need to write them a letter with your signature and provide copies of ID (their websites have the info). You should get your credit report from both.

    Thanks Gail for the reminder – I’m writing to them today.

    My personal frustration is with credit card companies. They send so much junk mail including “free cheques”. Whenever I move I arrange to have my mail forwarded in addition to changing my address with the company. The marketing arm of the credit card company however is not the same division and inevitably junk mail can continue going to the old address even years later.

    Once upon a time I used to receive a bill – I would expect it and wait for it. If it didn’t arrive I would call the company to inquire. Nowadays I have no idea what personal information the companies are sending out and where they are sending it. If a credit card company wants to reduce the amount of fraud they end up on the hook for, they should stop sending us junk mail! I think it’s a scam that they sell “fraud protection” insurance on their credit cards when they themselves (with all their junk mail and free cheques) are usually the cause of people’s identity being stolen via mail.

  12. John,
    Using a credit card for small purchases does not automatically mean you’re in dire straights.

    I don’t carry cash, and use my credit card for most purchases (including little things like a hot chocolate at Tim Horton’s), and I have no consumer debt. Using the credit card allows for easier tracking of expenses, and gives me points for free groceries.

  13. Fortunately, banks are treating identify theft more seriously than in previous years. When I was a university student living in a high rise, someone stole some of my mail, including a telephone bill and at least one credit card bill, and started charging things to my account. I consider myself lucky that it was only fraudulent charges and not any new accounts that were opened, but it still caused me months of frustration and a temporarily bruised credit rating.

    Despite the thief having only the credit card number and not the expiry date, somehow he was able to charge a number of purchases to Columbia House. As soon as I noticed that there were improper charges on my account, I contacted the credit card issuer to tell them these were fraudulent charges and that I should be issued a new card, but they refused! This went on for months, and each time when I received my bill (this was before the option of online banking), I would contact the bank to complain about the charges.

    Eventually, I was able to find out where purchase were being sent (a nearby apartment building) but even then, the police wouldn’t do anything about it, as they claimed it was Columbia House who was out the money (as Visa kept reversing the charges).

    My credit card number was finally changed by the bank when the thief tried using my credit card number for another vendor. That charge didn’t go through (as they didn’t have the correct expiry date), but it was what finally “proved” to the bank that it was due to my card information having been stolen.

    Meanwhile, as soon as I discovered that mail had gone missing, I set up a postal box and had my mail redirected there. You’d think that my mail should have been safe in a locked box in my apartment building, but the key hadn’t been changed for the mail box when I moved in and I think it was a previous tenant or their friends who had stolen my mail.

    Morals from this story:
    - if you move, have both the locks for the doors as well as the mailbox key (if applicable) changed before you take occupancy
    - read through every charge that appears on your bank/credit card statements
    - keep pestering your bank/credit card provider if you have concerns about the security of your credit card information
    - know when your bills/statements are supposed to arrive and follow-up if you don’t receive them (or better yet, switch to electronic delivery for your bills)
    - don’t assume it won’t happen to you; no matter how many precautions you take, you can become a victim of identity theft and/or fraud

  14. Regarding I.D. theft–PLEASE don’t carry everything in one purse/wallet. From the perspective of having to replace your I.D.–it is frustrating to try and get replacement Driver’s Licences, etc. when you have nothing to prove who you are–at the very least keep you SIN card and birth certificate at home.

  15. this is very informative, thank you for this post gail!

    I’ve never had this sort of trouble before, and I thank the stars for it.

  16. Also another word of advice that has not been mentioned here – invest in a personal paper shredder and use it! Shred any documents that may have any identifiers to your financials before they leave your home.

    Thieves steal your identity is by sifting through your garbage looking for old bank statements, credit card bills, etc. With this information they can get new credit cards issued, etc.

  17. My wallet is teeny tiny for the only reason that it forces me to carry only what I need at any given time. Going to pick up book at the library? I put the card in my wallet. Ditto for cash, cc, debit cards, driver’s license. I only take with me what I need. The rest stays at home.

    When I had the odd bank statement start to go missing from my mailbox, I converted all my bills to ebills (well, as many as would allow me that option), and I had my bank account numbers and card numbers all changed.

    I got an official case number from the RCMP, they paid me a visit, I had a locksmith change the lock on my mail box, and I created a check list for my bills. It’s now December and I’m pleased to say that all bills arrived to my mail box or email box this year. High five to that!

    When mail started going missing, I put in a request to TransUnion and Equifax (both of them) to have alerts set on my account. If anyone were to try and get credit using my name (including me!) I would be alerted immediately. This was free of charge.

  18. to Emma

    you must be the exception

    Still makes no snese to me theres no extended warranty for CC purchase on hot chocolate!!
    Why don’t you carry that in cash.

  19. PS Emma
    I know its your choice that fine to but the groceries aren’t really free…you paid for them already

    Nothing is free in business and never will be.

  20. I have a credit card that has a annual fee of $90.00, but because I numerous fee-free investments with them they credit the $90.00 back. I have never paid interest on my credit card and am completely consumer-debt free as well. Threw the points on my credit card I have received:
    Two round trips to Vancouver
    One round trip to Montreal
    5 $20 Starbucks Gift Cards
    One coffee bean grinder
    And I have just booked two round trip tickets to Myrtle Beach, SC for next spring.
    All of this was completely free. I do not pay any additional charges from either the CC company or the airport. This trips were already planned and the money I saved from not having to spend $300 – $1000 on the plane tickets got to stay in my bank account.

    I am like Emma .. I use my CC for almost everything. It is way easier to track then cash. Plus it has provided me with quite a few little perks. When I recently bought a service for $35 but the service was not being performed. After numerous calls into the company to get them to perform the service I payed for and getting no where I simply called the credit card company and they reversed the transaction. With purchases under $100.00 this has happened four times and then twice with home renovation purchases in the thousands.
    If I would of paid cash for the $35 to $4500 purchases I would of been SOL.

  21. Yes you are spending more than I do and have a diffeent lifestyle so for you it might be different.

  22. I agree that using a credit card for all purchases is a wonderful thing as long as you are responsible enough to not carry a balance. My husband and I use our mastercard for everything we can and use the air miles to visit my family across the country. It’s also helped him track his Timmy’s habit when we can see how much it adds up to at the end of the month! :)

  23. I see others are of a similar mindset as me as far as wallet precautions.

    In my wallet, there is one credit card, one debit card and my driver’s licence ONLY. Special cards like library, membership, etc only come along on planned trips to those places, and my SIN card, passport, marriage and birth certificates are in a bank box since they are only needed very very ocassionally. The family medical cards and other cards are in a secure place in my home for easier access. To safeguard myself somewhat, I use 2 hands to do the PIN for debit purchases, and I have “ID REQUIRED” written with my signature on the back of my one credit card that I carry in my wallet and I have requested that they keep my available credit limit low (you ARE allowed to tell them that you want the limit lowered, it’s very easy). I make most of my variable spending purchases on the CC and pay it off every month (I am hoping that the less I use my debit PIN#, the less opportunity for it to be seen). It is a no fee points card with no connection to my bank and I love the itemized bills. the points have bought me several gas cards (I need fuel anyways!).

    Ironically I started this system before ID theft became prevelant in the media. The reason I use this minamalist wallet is because I have a history of misplacing important things, the less I carry, the less I can lose! LOL

  24. I have a Capital One card, and got a second card for my husband. He tried to book some flights worth $1,800 and for some reason, this triggered the credit card company to freeze the account. I panicked since I knew I had a high credit limit with them and the card had a zero balance. I had to call Capital One, explain and provide identifying info to reinstate my account. I feel rather safe with them.

    We have a $500 card for any online purchase for businesses that do not deal with Paypal, and a $1,500 card for my husband’s road travel. Some newer cards also come with a chip feature which is supposed to make them safer.

  25. I rarely use my debit card. About 98% of my purchases go on my main credit card simply because it is easy to track where my money has gone. As I pay it off each month in full there are no interest charges and I get points which I’ve used for flights and purchases. (I am not a cash person, it’s always been cheques or credit cards as I get uncomfortable if I have more than $25 cash in my wallet.)

    I do have a 2nd credit card which is strictly for online shopping and has a very low limit that the c/c company knows it is not allowed to up. It is hidden at home as is my SIN card. I pay for the privilege of a PO box. I go online and check my accounts several times a week. I think the more accounts, credit cards one has the harder it is to keep track of them so I try to keep things simple. My passport is in my safety deposit box.

    Any personal info gets shredded or burned but still there is always the chance that ID theft can happen. Especially when I am on vacation, it becomes a concern. I used to prefer using traveler’s cheques but they have become more hassle than they are worth. When I travel I always leave copies of my ID, credit cards etc with a trusted friend back home in a sealed envelope. Also when traveling I generally carry my passport (unless I’ll be needing it that day), some cash, traveler’s cheques, the passport ID # and emergency numbers in a hidden moneybelt or pouch. I am seriously thinking of getting a credit card that is used only for when I am on holidays and which is not connected to my regular bank accounts at all.

  26. I noticed that there was mention of contacting Revenue Canada directly if your ID has gone stole. Might be a good idea even if it can be done through Service Canada.

    And for safety sakes, keep your SIN out of your wallet.

  27. I had my purse stolen several years ago. (and once they had my purse, they had the keys to my car, so they stole that too!!)
    One of the first things I did after cancelling credit cards and calling the police was to contact the credit bureaus. Because my ID (driver’s licence) and stuff was stolen (not SIN, never, ever carry that in your wallet!), they flagged my account. That means, no one, NO ONE can get credit under my name without the agency verifying my identity. Everytime I open a credit card account, get a car loan, ect… Ihave to show proof of identity. This way, no one can open credit but me. It is a pain in the you know where, but worth it, because it makes identity fraud almost impossible.
    So if your ID ever gets stolen, call equifax and transunion and get your accounts flagged to prevent ID theft!
    Also, with the new credit card rules in Canada. Now a CC company can’t up your limit without your permission.

  28. Another important thing not mentioned yet, is to NOT keep your account numbers/card numbers saved on your computer. You know those boxes that say “remember me” or “remember card”? Don’t check them. Internet is so easy to hack into, especially if you don’t have it secured. The least amount of information available, the better.

  29. I scanned both the front & back of all my ID…from SIN card to credit cards, etc. I then wrote above each card the phone number to that co. If ever needed, I have copies of all and the #’s to call to report & cancel. This is kept locked up with all my other important documents.

  30. Thank you for this post and all the great tips. I have cut and paste everything pertinent and printed it off, rolled each up, tied it with a red ribbon. They will be presented to all my co-workers on Monday. ‘Our’ gift to them from ‘Santa’.
    Question: I have never given my SIN # to anyone. I do not carry it. However, months ago when ING was mentioned here and how great it was to have lots of accounts there to have money automatically deposited…I called to do the same. They wanted my SIN # over the phone. And so, even though I instigated the connection, I declined and don’t have an ING account. So how do I get an account without handing over this #?

  31. Catherine;
    The reason you would have had to provide your SIN card # to ING is that they are “bank” and you can be potentially (ok maybe not right now with interest rates in the toilet) earning interest and they will provide you with a T3 for income tax purposes as it is an income and you must claim it on your tax return. Really it comes down to only Banks and your employer needing access to your SIN Card number.

  32. @Joanne~ Ah….thank you and Merry Christmas!

  33. One poster said they don’t carry their health card. Personally that is a big mistake, especially in today’s day and age. Not that you would denied care, but you would be expected to pay, even here in Canada. That is one card that should be on your person all the time.

  34. @Cynthia
    I deal with health cards all a.m. long. I ask for them, but, if the patient doesn’t have it with them I do not deny service, I look the information up in our computer system, and the patient does not have to pay. I would hope this could be done in other hospitals as well. Make sure if you move that you get your card redone with the correct address. I get flags for this all the time.
    Only self pays are out of country (fee x 2) and mennonites.
    Having said this, it makes things much easier if you carry your health card with you.
    I just went to a meeting where health cards were discussed. I have held onto my red and white card with both hands as there is no expiry date…therefore no hassle getting it re-issued. The woman from London, ON. said that there will be a push for everyone to get the green health cards with picture I.D. That even now there are some physician specialists in London having patients pay out of pocket if they have red and white cards and get their money back from the govt. I can only imagine how easy that would be and can only guess at the cost of seeing a specialist – yikes! So, as I didn’t want to be in the rush of everyone trying to get the green cards hubby and I now have ours. This isn’t a problem for people who live in a big city as there are places to just walk in and get them. However, living here in the boonies, we have to phone and make and appointment.
    All this came to the forefront years ago when a politician who will remain nameless decided to make everyone get green cards if he got into office. He did and the process began. He wanted to make sure that no one was using our health care system illegally – hence the photo I.D. Well, he didn’t win the next election and the politician that did said ‘we’re not putting all this money out for green cards, they can use the red and white ones’……ah…the powers that be – amazing.

  35. Forgot!
    If you have a green health card…check the expiry date. It will be the same as on your driver’s license. They are in the future trying to have renewing both cards at the same time at the same place….

  36. There is no charge to call to get your credit report. Just an annoying voice messaging to go through………..but if you can stick out the 20min process you get it for free. Use the two numbers that Gail provided and you can order both and get them within a week. They both include the steps you can take to correct any errors and I will bet you anything that there are mistakes………..everyones has them.
    Catherine the bank wanting your SIN# is very normal……….if you have a high interest bearing account and a high balance there is interest that needs to be claimed on your income tax………also banks now report to credit bureau…….it shows the accounts you have and the length of time you have been there……….good in some ways (obtaining mortgage- shows stability)…………

  37. [...] more from the original source: What to Do if Your i.d. is Stolen « gailvazoxlade.com By admin | category: on line credit card processing | tags: accounts-web, credit-card, [...]

  38. Hey there, you made my day with that post. Could you please elaborate more on this topic on your nest post? BTW, everyone should spend their money with common sense and try not to get into huge debts. I wrote a bit about that at http://HowToReduceCreditCardDebt.org a couple of days ago.

  39. I’ll give you a pat on the back just for the sheer hard work in this post.

  40. Easy and Quick Payday Loans with No Credit Check…

    We provide no credit check payday loans online. It’s easy and quick….

Leave a Reply