While seventy-five percent of Canadians are concerned about identity theft, only 20 percent considered themselves to be 'very well informed' about how they can protect themselves from this crime, says a recent Ipsos-Reid poll.

Canadians have reason to be concerned; identity theft is one of the fastest growing consumer crimes in Canada.

Canada-wide the RCMP received complaints from 8,187 identity theft victims who lost a total of $11,786,843.44 in 2002. In 2003 those number jumped substantially to 13,359 victims and total losses of $21,564,103.96.

The Ipsos-Reid poll indicates that Canadian understand the importance of not giving out their personal information over the phone or Internet. Only one in seven Canadians said they would be 'very likely' or 'somewhat likely' to provide personal account information if a bank or retailer that they frequently deal with contacted them by telephone or email.

When asked what specific steps or actions people should take to prevent becoming victim to identity theft, the most common response was to not provide financial or personal information (44%). Other answers included:

• keep personal documents or records locked up (16%)
• ensure that credit cards and debit cards are in plain view while used or handled (13%)
• shred personal documents or records (12%)
• do not know (10%); and
• review or monitor your credit bureau files or credit records (2%)

Find out how you can protect yourself from identity theft:

Identity Theft: How To Protect Your Business

Safeguarding Your Money

Sources
The poll, which surveyed 1001 Canadians, was conducted on behalf of Intersections, a credit-monitoring company.

PhoneBusters.com http://www.phonebusters.com/english/statistics_E03.html

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