Don’t Let ID Thieves Ruin Your Holiday Season

Identity thieves don’t take time off during the holiday season. So it’s no surprise that nearly half of respondents to our consumer survey* feel more vulnerable to fraudsters and identity thieves during the holidays. 

It’s essential to remain vigilant and take steps to protect yourself — at any time of year. Simple steps, like being careful where you shop and being mindful of the information you share online, can help keep your identity secure. 

10 tips to help you avoid fraudsters and identity thieves

1. Only shop with trusted online retailers. You can check the internet address for https:// to indicate additional security measures, and also check independent reviews.

2. Be careful about clicking on links in emails or text messages. If an offer appears too good to be true, it probably is.

3. Use strong passwords and change them regularly.

4. Use two-factor authentication for your online accounts when available.

5. Be careful about what information you share on social media. Posting about vacation plans can alert thieves as to when your home is empty. And that throwback photo of your first pet — and their name — might help fraudsters figure out your online passwords.

6. Avoid using public Wi-Fi to shop online, or use a VPN to help protect your personal information.

7. Keep your antivirus software up-to-date.

8. Regularly check your credit reports. Is there a phone number you don’t recognize or an account that you didn’t open? These could be signs that someone’s using your identity for their own benefit. And check your bank and credit card statements for any transaction you don’t recognize.

9. Shred documents that contain your personal information before you dispose of them.

10. Be careful about where you leave your credit cards and other personal items. Report any lost or stolen ID immediately, and cancel any lost credit cards or bank cards. Consider placing a free fraud warning or identity alert on your credit reports.

If you have one of Equifax’s credit monitoring products, like Equifax Complete^TM Premier or Equifax Complete^TM Friends and Family, you’ll be alerted to key changes on your Equifax credit report, which can help you spot potential fraud faster. We can also help you recover if you have been a victim of identity theft.

*An online survey of 1,564 Canadians was completed between September 15-18, 2023, using Leger’s online panel. The margin of error for this study was +/-2.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20.