State Farm

What is Identity Fraud?

Identity fraud is big business.

Ask your coworkers, family and friends: chances are good that someone you know has been a victim of identity fraud. In 2007, the Canadian Anti-fraud Call Centre reported 10,366 complaints of identity theft and identity fraud, with losses totalling more than $6 million.* They’ve had their credit ratings seriously damaged, and had store cards, leases, and even mortgages fraudulently opened under their names. In many cases, all it took was a social insurance number, easily gained from a stolen piece of mail. Identity fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada with 1,400 to 1,800 new victims reported every month* and an estimated loss of $16.3 million in 2006.* What if you were next?

For example, Identity fraud may occur when someone steals personal information, opens credit card accounts in your name without permission, and charges merchandise to those accounts. Conversely, identity fraud does not occur when a credit card is simply stolen. Stealing one’s credit card may be consumer fraud, but is not identity fraud.

Do not fall victim to identity fraud - learn how thieves steal identities, steps you can take to reduce your risk, and the features Identity Restoration (IDR) coverage offered through State Farm Insurance.

*For more information to help you deter, detect and defend against Identity Theft visit the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada’s website
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