NB 32
Jan. 15, 2004
FREDERICTON (CNB) - New Brunswickers are being encouraged to take steps to minimize their risk of becoming victims of identity theft. A tip sheet, providing consumers with information to help protect themselves, was released by Justice Minister Brad Green in advance of a meeting of consumer affairs ministers this week.
Identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada, occurs when someone's personal information is used without his or her knowledge or consent to commit a crime, such as fraud or theft. Once thieves steal personal information, they create stolen identities to conduct spending sprees, open new bank accounts, divert mail, apply for loans, credit cards, and social benefits, rent apartments and even commit more serious crimes and, if arrested, use their new identity.
"New Brunswick has measures in place to help prevent identity theft," Green said. "We are also working with other provinces and territories to bring consumers the most reliable and complete information on how to reduce the risk of being victimized. This information will help New Brunswickers take steps to protect themselves and their own personal information against these types of crimes."
Each time a citizen applies for, renews or replaces their New Brunswick driver's licence, or exchanges an out-of-province driver's licence, two pieces of official government-approved identification are required. The two pieces are then copied and kept on file for future reference. The same procedure is also in place for those interested in securing an ID card from the Government of New Brunswick.
It is important to be careful with what documents or information is provided and to whom, especially if the information is on a birth certificate, driver's licence or Social Insurance Number card. These documents can be used to produce fraudulent identification and to gain access to additional personal and financial information.
New Brunswickers can reduce the risk of identity theft by shredding financial statements and charge receipts, cutting up expired and unused credit cards and by asking why your information is needed and how it will be used. Individuals who keep financial or personal information on their computer should protect it by using a password and a firewall program to stop anyone from gaining access to their information.
Consumers should look for these signs if they suspect their identity may have been stolen:
Click here for a copy of the Identity Theft tip sheet.
04/01/15
MEDIA CONTACT: Gary Toft, communications, Justice, 506-453-6543.
04/01/15