New law will provide stronger protection against identity theft
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/11/2010 (5763 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Manitobans will have stronger protection against identity theft when a new law allowing individuals to place a security alert on their file with credit bureaus takes effect Jan. 31, the province says.
“Identity theft is a growing problem and consumers deserve every additional level of protection we can offer,” said Family Services and Consumer Affairs Minister Gord Mackintosh. “This one simple step could block a thief from gaining access to someone’s identity or credit and protects a business from extending credit to an identity thief.”
Changes to the Personal Investigations Act allow a consumer who believes their credit information has been compromised to tell a credit bureau to place a security alert on their file. The alert requires a credit grantor to take steps to verify a credit applicant’s identity before any new credit is provided.
Although credit bureaus currently provide this service voluntarily, Manitoba joins Ontario as the only two provinces with a legislative requirement for credit alerts. Manitoba’s requirements will also be in line with a proposed national approach on credit reports.
The maximum fee that credit bureaus will be able to charge to place an alert on a file is $5. The alert can be cancelled by the applicant at any time or will expire automatically after six years. The changes also toughen the penalties for failing to comply with the act.
Information and tips for reducing the risk of identity theft are available on the Consumer Protection Office website.
Steps you can take to prevent identity theft:
• keep personal information such as birth certificates, passport, etc., in a safe place;
• shred personal information before disposing of it;
• carefully check all charges and balances on bills, invoices, bank statements, etc.;
• regularly obtain credit reports;
• take great care when making an online purchase; and
• make sure the theft or loss of a wallet or personal information is reported to your creditors and credit bureaus right away.