The RCMP is reporting the cost of identity theft has dropped $6-million dollars since 2012.
The RCMP reported that $10-million was lost as a result of identity theft to Sarnia Rotarians at a meeting earlier this month. This is on the decline from $16-million in 2012, largely due to education on the subject. Constable Devon Jones says technology scams target people to get their personal information.
"It could be anyone from certain individuals, it could be organized crime groups, and even so far as terrorism groups [targeting this information] for financial gain," says Jones.
Information could include name, date of birth, social insurance number, full address, bank information and more.
Jones says if you've fallen victim to a scam, it's not too late to protect yourself afterwards.
"Whatever website it was they logged into, go back into that website, change your password. If you ever have anything that is financial linked to that website, I would go in there and change that information as well. You can also change your credit card number and cancel credit cards."
Not all emails and phone calls are scams. Jones says the best way to legitimize their intent is to ask them questions of personal details they have on file and contact the organization to follow up.
Last month, two Sarnia residents fell victim to identity theft through phone and email scams. Each victim lost $1,000 as a result. Identity theft can be reported to local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
