The OPP wants to make sure you are not one of the thousands of victims of identity fraud expected to lose millions of dollars this year.
Last year, there were 9,481 complaints about it in Canada. Those victims are expected to suffer a combined loss of $12-million.
October is Cyber Security Month, and the OPP believes the more the public knows about identity fraud, the less likely people will be victimized.
Police have released a video in hopes of educating the public.
https://youtu.be/s29HptLGPrA
If criminals can get ahold of your driver's license, health card, social insurance number, or birth certificate, they can also access your computer and email accounts, bank accounts, make purchases in your name, and even apply for government services, all without your knowledge.
As a result, victims have been denied employment and had their finances suffer. It has even affected interactions between victims and government agencies.
Police suggest all personal and financial documents be shredded and people should be leery of any unsolicited calls, emails, or mail correspondence asking for that information.
If you think you have been a victim, report it to your bank and have your accounts suspended. Then, call the police.
