TORONTO - Are you concerned about identity theft? Then you may want to check out the updated version of Safeguarding Your Money, published by the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA). Identity theft can occur once someone has authorized access to your personal information, even if you are aware that it is happening.

The free guide includes such tips as:

• Never give out personal information over the phone, Internet, or mail until you know what it will be used for and who will see it.
• Take note of billing dates. If bills aren’t arriving on time contact the company to ask why.
• Use passwords on financial accounts such as credit cards, bank, and phone. Don’t use obvious passwords such as your mother’s maiden name, or birth dates.
• Destroy any personal information that you throw into the garbage. This includes receipts, credit applications, insurance forms, and credit offers
• Only give out your Social Insurance Number when it’s absolutely necessary. Avoid carrying the card with you.

Safeguarding Your Money is available online at www.cba.ca.

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