Identity Theft

If your Social Insurance Number (SIN) has been compromised and someone has attempted to use your identity to purchase a car or commit other forms of fraud in Canada, it is crucial to take immediate steps to protect yourself and mitigate further damage. Here’s a detailed guide on what you should do:

1. Report to the Police
   • File a Police Report: Contact your local police and file a report for identity theft. Ensure you provide details about the unauthorized car purchase attempt and any other fraudulent activity you’ve discovered.
   • Obtain a Copy of the Report: You will need the police report to submit to financial institutions, creditors, and government agencies when disputing fraudulent transactions or protecting your identity.
2. Contact Service Canada
   • Report a Compromised SIN: Immediately report the compromise of your SIN to Service Canada by calling 1-800-206-7218. Let them know that your SIN has been misused in an identity theft case. If necessary, request a new SIN, though this is typically done only in extreme cases where fraud continues despite other efforts.
   • Request a SIN Replacement: If Service Canada determines that your situation warrants it, you may be issued a new SIN. This decision will depend on the level of fraud and damage caused.
   • Note: Service Canada will not issue a new SIN unless it is proven that the misuse of your SIN has caused or is likely to cause significant damage to your finances or personal records.
3. Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
   • Report Fraud: Report the identity theft to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501. The CAFC tracks identity theft cases and may provide further guidance.
   • Get Advice on Next Steps: The CAFC can help you understand the full scope of identity theft and provide steps to protect yourself in the future.
4. Contact the Financial Institutions
   • Notify Your Bank/Credit Union: Contact your financial institution(s) and alert them that your identity has been stolen and may be used to open fraudulent accounts or secure loans. Place a fraud alert or block on your accounts if necessary.
   • Dispute Unauthorized Transactions: If any fraudulent accounts or transactions have occurred in your name (e.g., attempts to buy a car), inform your bank, lender, or the dealership of the fraudulent activity, providing documentation (police report, etc.) to support your claim.
5. Contact Credit Bureaus
   • Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit File: Contact the two major credit bureaus in Canada — Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada — and request a fraud alert on your credit file. This alert warns potential creditors that your identity may have been compromised, making it harder for anyone to open new accounts or secure credit in your name.
   • Equifax Canada: 1-800-465-7166
   • TransUnion Canada: 1-877-525-3823
   • Request a Credit Report: Obtain a copy of your credit report to review any unauthorized accounts or inquiries. Review both Equifax and TransUnion reports to catch any discrepancies.
6. Monitor Your Credit
   • Regularly Check Your Credit Report: After placing fraud alerts, regularly monitor your credit reports for any new unauthorized activity.
   • Consider a Credit Freeze: If necessary, request a credit freeze, which restricts access to your credit report and prevents anyone from opening new accounts without your consent. This is more stringent than a fraud alert and offers an additional layer of protection.
7. Dispute Fraudulent Activity
   • Contact the Car Dealership or Lender: If someone attempted to purchase a car in your name, immediately notify the car dealership and the lender involved. Provide them with the police report and any other evidence of identity theft.
   • Dispute the Transaction: Ensure the attempted purchase is cancelled and does not appear on your credit record.
8. Notify Other Relevant Institutions
   • Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): If your SIN is compromised, there’s a risk that someone may try to file fraudulent tax returns in your name. Contact the CRA to notify them of the situation and flag your account for potential fraud.
   • CRA Contact: 1-800-959-8281
   • Insurance Providers: If any of your other personal information has been compromised (such as health insurance or car insurance), inform your insurance providers so they can take steps to protect your policies.
9. Replace Other Compromised Documents
   • Driver’s License or Other Identification: If other forms of identification, such as your driver’s license, have been compromised during the identity theft attempt, contact the issuing authority (e.g., ServiceOntario) to replace these documents and prevent further misuse.
10. Stay Vigilant for Future Fraud
    • Use Identity Theft Protection Services: Consider enrolling in an identity theft protection service, which can help monitor your personal information and alert you to any suspicious activity.
    • Update Passwords and Security Settings: Change passwords and security questions on your online banking, email accounts, and other critical accounts to prevent further unauthorized access.
    • Review Statements: Carefully review all bank statements, credit card bills, and insurance statements for any signs of unauthorized transactions.

Summary of Key Steps:

1. File a police report for identity theft.
2. Contact Service Canada to report the compromised SIN.
3. Alert your financial institutions and place fraud alerts on your accounts.
4. Contact Equifax and TransUnion to place fraud alerts and monitor your credit.
5. Dispute any fraudulent transactions with the dealership or lenders involved in the car purchase attempt.
6. Report the fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
7. Monitor your accounts and stay vigilant for future fraud attempts.

Taking immediate action will help contain the damage and protect your finances, identity, and credit.