AXA.caTips

Shred or destroy any paperwork you do not need, such as bank machine receipts or pre-approved credit card applications you do not want. If possible, eliminate paper statements. Instead, check your statements online.

Never give out your passwords to anyone. Keep them well-protected and change them frequently.

Do not give out your personal information, your social insurance number or bank account numbers over the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet. Before you share information, make sure that the organization is legitimate.

Carry only the identification information and credit cards that you actually need. Leave your social insurance card and passport behind in a secure place.

Never reply to suspicious emails. Just delete them

Use a firewall and install anti-virus software. Update these security features regularly.

Never dispose of a used or defective computer without first erasing all data contained on the hard drive

Cancel and destroy any credit cards you do not use and keep a list of the ones you use regularly

Sign all your credit cards when you receive them and never lend them to anyone.

Carefully check each of your monthly credit card statements. Immediately report any lost or stolen credit cards to the issuing credit card company.

Ask your financial institution about zero-risk policies to protect against fraud, and how you can cover any financial losses.

Order a copy of your credit report from the major credit reporting agencies at least once every year. Make sure your credit report is accurate and includes only those activities that you have authorized.

Pay attention to your billing cycles. If you notice anything unusual, follow up with your creditors and utility companies.

If you suspect or detect any identity fraud, notify your financial institution (bank or issuing credit card company), and start monitoring account movement closely.

Report a theft to local and federal authorities, the various credit reporting agencies and the appropriate private and government organizations:

PhoneBusters National Call Centre, by email or 1-888-495-8501

Equifax Canada 1-800-465-7166

Trans Union Canada 1-877-525-3823

There are several advantages to dealing with insurance brokers. Bear in mind that they are specially trained, are licensed, and have an excellent understanding of insurance. That means they are perfectly positioned to offer a host of insurance products tailor-made for your needs.