- RCMP Banff seeks public’s assistance in identifying Theft suspects
- Red Deer RCMP seek fugitive after assault on police
- Lethbridge Law Day to showcase judicial system with family-friendly activities
- Calgary firm selected to assist in the search for new LRPS Chief of Police
- Boyle RCMP investigate work site related death
- Red Deer RCMP warn public about online rental scams
- RCMP and CPO vs St. Mary's School for volleyball and basketball matches
- Update: Suspect in Grande Prairie shooting arrested
- Lac La Biche RCMP and partner agencies conduct enforcement campaign
- Two Hills RCMP respond to Fas Gas Robbery
- Break and Enter at Andrew Gas Station
- Two Hills RCMP, County Reeve and Mayor proclaim Victims of Crime Awareness Week
- Theft of copper welding cable in Brooks
- CPS seizes counterfeit oxycodone
- Protect yourself from identity theft and fraud
RCMP Banff seeks public’s assistance in identifying Theft suspects
On February 18th, 2014, at approximately 4:36 p.m., Banff RCMP received a complaint of theft from Atmosphere, located in the 100 block of Banff Avenue, in the Town of Banff.
Sometime between 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. on February 16th, 2014 three unknown females entered the store and stole three jackets.
Police obtained Surveillance footage and photos of the suspects from the store.
 |
| Suspect 1 |
The first suspect is described as:
The second suspect is described as:
The third suspect is described as:
Investigators ask that anyone with information regarding this crime or the identity of the suspect(s) contact Banff RCMP at 403.762.2226.
If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.8477 or report it online atwww.tipsubmit.com. If the information leads to an arrest, tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.
- Female;
- Asian;
- Approximately 25 - 30 years old;
- Black, shoulder length hair;
- Wearing a Black North Face Jacket with a red liner.
 |
| Suspect 2 |
- Female;
- Asian;
- Black coloured hair;
- Approximately 35 – 45 years old;
- Wearing a Blue Jacket.
 |
| Suspect 3 |
- Female;
- Asian;
- Black, shoulder length hair;
- Approximately 35 – 45 years old;
- Wearing a Black North Face Coat.
Investigators ask that anyone with information regarding this crime or the identity of the suspect(s) contact Banff RCMP at 403.762.2226.
If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.8477 or report it online atwww.tipsubmit.com. If the information leads to an arrest, tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.
At approximately 3:10 pm on March 31, 2014, Red Deer RCMP responded to a report that the owner of a stolen vehicle had located his missing vehicle, with a male suspect inside it, parked behind the Mac’s Convenience Store at 3801 50 Street in Red Deer, Alberta. Two police cruisers blocked the stolen red Chevrolet Avalanche in its parking stall. Their emergency lights were activated and they identified themselves as police and ordered the suspect to exit the vehicle. The suspect instead put the truck in reverse and rammed the front end of one police cruiser before driving forward and ramming the front end of the second police vehicle.
RCMP members approached the suspect vehicle on foot with orders to surrender, but the suspect reversed the vehicle again, grazing one of the police officers. Police broke the right and left windows on the vehicle with batons in an attempt to apprehend the suspect, who then rammed one of the police cars a second time, hit another parked vehicle, and sped away.
RCMP did not initiate a pursuit due to public safety concerns. The police officer grazed by the stolen vehicle was not injured, and the stolen Chevrolet Avalanche was found abandoned at approximately 1:15 am on April 1, 2014 in the Oriole Park neighbourhood. The value of the damage to police cars has not yet been estimated.
A warrant in the first instance has been issued for 28 year old William Clayton Bradshaw of Red Deer.
No photo of Bradshaw is available at this time, but he is described as:
RCMP will provide updates as more information becomes available.
- Caucasian
- 5’10” or 5’11” tall
- Approximately 170 lbs
- Brown hair and brown eyes
- Thin, dark brown beard
- Tattooed forearms and facial piercings
- Last seen wearing a baggy white t-shirt and a black hat
RCMP will provide updates as more information becomes available.
The Calgary Police Service is seeking public assistance in locating a man wanted on several outstanding warrants.
 |
| Wanted: Robert Verloop |
Robert VERLOOP, 45, is wanted in connection with an assault and failing to comply with court ordered conditions. Police would also like to speak to VERLOOP about information he may have about an armed robbery that occurred in October 2013.
VERLOOP, who is believed to be in the central Alberta area, is Caucasian, 5’11” tall and 216 pounds. He has brownish black hair and brown eyes. A photo of VERLOOP is available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.
Anyone with information regarding VERLOOP’s whereabouts is asked to call the Calgary Police Service at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: tttTIPS.com
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637
Lethbridge Law Day to showcase judicial system with family-friendly activities
Ever wonder what exactly goes on behind closed doors at the Lethbridge courthouse? Now’s your chance to find out – without needing a lawyer!
On Saturday, April 5, 2014 the Lethbridge Courthouse will open its doors to the public from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as part of Law Day. Law Day is an annual event to increase public awareness and foster a better understanding of the Canadian justice system. Admission to this fun, family-friendly event is free and everyone is welcome to attend the festivities.
Law Day 2014 kicks off with Citizenship Court, where a number of immigrants will receive Canadian citizenship, followed by tours of the courthouse, a K9 demonstration, crime scene investigation demonstration, static displays and high school mock trial competitions.
In addition, there will be a Kidz Korner for younger children and visitors can also check out the fairy tale trial and decide whether Kermit the Frog is really a criminal mastermind skilled in the art of theft and deception, or an innocent amphibian in the frame when the Stanley Cup goes missing from the Galt Museum.
The public will also have an opportunity to seek free legal advice. From 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. volunteer lawyers from Lethbridge Legal Guidance will be available to speak with citizens about their legal problems and provide information about their options and how to proceed. Anyone interested in a half-hour session with a lawyer must pre-register by calling Lethbridge Legal Guidance at 403-380-6338.
Law Day events are organized by the Canadian Bar Association, with cooperation and funding from the Alberta Law Foundation and Law Society of Alberta, and take place annually throughout the province. The Lethbridge Law Day Organizing Committee wishes to acknowledge and thank these organizations as well as all other volunteers for their support and participation.
Law Day schedule of events (link)
VERLOOP, who is believed to be in the central Alberta area, is Caucasian, 5’11” tall and 216 pounds. He has brownish black hair and brown eyes. A photo of VERLOOP is available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.
Anyone with information regarding VERLOOP’s whereabouts is asked to call the Calgary Police Service at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: tttTIPS.com
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637
Ever wonder what exactly goes on behind closed doors at the Lethbridge courthouse? Now’s your chance to find out – without needing a lawyer!
On Saturday, April 5, 2014 the Lethbridge Courthouse will open its doors to the public from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as part of Law Day. Law Day is an annual event to increase public awareness and foster a better understanding of the Canadian justice system. Admission to this fun, family-friendly event is free and everyone is welcome to attend the festivities.
Law Day 2014 kicks off with Citizenship Court, where a number of immigrants will receive Canadian citizenship, followed by tours of the courthouse, a K9 demonstration, crime scene investigation demonstration, static displays and high school mock trial competitions.
In addition, there will be a Kidz Korner for younger children and visitors can also check out the fairy tale trial and decide whether Kermit the Frog is really a criminal mastermind skilled in the art of theft and deception, or an innocent amphibian in the frame when the Stanley Cup goes missing from the Galt Museum.
The public will also have an opportunity to seek free legal advice. From 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. volunteer lawyers from Lethbridge Legal Guidance will be available to speak with citizens about their legal problems and provide information about their options and how to proceed. Anyone interested in a half-hour session with a lawyer must pre-register by calling Lethbridge Legal Guidance at 403-380-6338.
Law Day events are organized by the Canadian Bar Association, with cooperation and funding from the Alberta Law Foundation and Law Society of Alberta, and take place annually throughout the province. The Lethbridge Law Day Organizing Committee wishes to acknowledge and thank these organizations as well as all other volunteers for their support and participation.
Law Day schedule of events (link)
Calgary firm selected to assist in the search for new LRPS Chief of Police
The Lethbridge Regional Police Commission is pleased to announce Boyden Global Executive Search has been appointed to assist in the search for a new Chief of Police.
Earlier this year Chief Tom McKenzie announced his retirement, prompting the Commission to begin the process to identify and hire his successor. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was subsequently issued and responses were received from a number of executive search firms. Following a comprehensive review of all the proposals Boyden Global Executive Search was selected and approved by the Commission.
Boyden, which has offices in Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa, has considerable recent experience assisting other Police Commissions in western Canada with the exhaustive process required to identify qualified candidates for the position of Chief of Police.
“We’re looking forward to working with Boyden over the next few months,” said Sandy McKay, chair of the Lethbridge Regional Police Commission. “Boyden has set out a process that will assist the Commission as it considers all the elements that go into hiring and retaining the individual best-suited for the job.”
McKenzie’s original contract was due to expire in July, but was previously extended to the end of October at the Commission’s request, so he would remain in place to complete the Service’s 2015-2018 budget and business plan.
McKenzie was hired in 1976, rose through the ranks and was appointed Chief of Police in January 2007. Upon his retirement, he will have 38 years of service.
Under the Police Act, Police Commissions are responsible for appointing the Chief of Police.
For more information about Boyden Global Executive Search visit www.boyden.ca
Boyle RCMP investigate work site related death
RCMP are investigating a work site related death north of Wandering River. During the morning of March 31 the RCMP were alerted to a missing employee at KM98 on Highway 63. With the assistance of a police dog the missing employee was located a short distance from the work site, deceased.
The 37 year old Alberta male was working in the area on Highway construction. The name of the deceased and the company name are being withheld.
Occupational Heath and Safety has been notified of the death. The death is currently being considered non-suspicious.
It is believed weather played a role in this incident. At the time the male was reported missing the temperature was -25 with a wind chill. An autopsy scheduled for March 1 will determine the cause of death and presence of drugs or alcohol, if any.
This work site is located approximately 140km north Boyle.
Since March 25, Red Deerians have reported three separate real estate scams on Kijiji that show photos of houses in Red Deer that are supposedly for rent. In all cases, the houses were not for rent; two are listed for sale and, in the third instance, a scammer attached an image of a Red Deer house to a fictitious Calgary address. Scammers are copying information from online listings of homes for sale and presenting them as rental opportunities.
“When contacted by potential tenants, rental scammers claim to be out of the country; they instruct victims to send the damage deposit and first month’s rent through an untraceable wire transfer service such as Moneygram or Western Union, and say they will send the keys once they have received the money,” says Corporal Sarah Knelsen of Red Deer RCMP. “Some scammers also ask victims to fill out rental application forms with personal information that could then be used for identity theft and other financial fraud.”
Safety tips when looking for a new home:
Arm yourself and the vulnerable people in your life by learning how to recognize and protect yourself from fraud: www.antifraudcentre.ca.
Update: Suspect in Grande Prairie shooting arrested
RCMP have arrested a male wanted on outstanding warrants. On March 27, 201) at approximately 1:50 am Grande Prairie RCMP responded to a report of shots fired at a residence in the area of 98th Street and 80th Avenue. Police found a wounded male in the residence. EMS treated the injured male on scene and transported him to hospital. Believing this was a targeted incident, RCMP obtained a warrant for the arrest of Justin LIZOTTE, a 23 year old male from Grande Prairie. Lizotte was already wanted on a number of outstanding warrants for matters unrelated to this investigation at the time of the shooting.
The Lethbridge Regional Police Commission is pleased to announce Boyden Global Executive Search has been appointed to assist in the search for a new Chief of Police.
Earlier this year Chief Tom McKenzie announced his retirement, prompting the Commission to begin the process to identify and hire his successor. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was subsequently issued and responses were received from a number of executive search firms. Following a comprehensive review of all the proposals Boyden Global Executive Search was selected and approved by the Commission.
Boyden, which has offices in Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa, has considerable recent experience assisting other Police Commissions in western Canada with the exhaustive process required to identify qualified candidates for the position of Chief of Police.
“We’re looking forward to working with Boyden over the next few months,” said Sandy McKay, chair of the Lethbridge Regional Police Commission. “Boyden has set out a process that will assist the Commission as it considers all the elements that go into hiring and retaining the individual best-suited for the job.”
McKenzie’s original contract was due to expire in July, but was previously extended to the end of October at the Commission’s request, so he would remain in place to complete the Service’s 2015-2018 budget and business plan.
McKenzie was hired in 1976, rose through the ranks and was appointed Chief of Police in January 2007. Upon his retirement, he will have 38 years of service.
Under the Police Act, Police Commissions are responsible for appointing the Chief of Police.
For more information about Boyden Global Executive Search visit www.boyden.ca
RCMP are investigating a work site related death north of Wandering River. During the morning of March 31 the RCMP were alerted to a missing employee at KM98 on Highway 63. With the assistance of a police dog the missing employee was located a short distance from the work site, deceased.
The 37 year old Alberta male was working in the area on Highway construction. The name of the deceased and the company name are being withheld.
Occupational Heath and Safety has been notified of the death. The death is currently being considered non-suspicious.
It is believed weather played a role in this incident. At the time the male was reported missing the temperature was -25 with a wind chill. An autopsy scheduled for March 1 will determine the cause of death and presence of drugs or alcohol, if any.
This work site is located approximately 140km north Boyle.
Red Deer RCMP warn public about online rental scams
Since March 25, Red Deerians have reported three separate real estate scams on Kijiji that show photos of houses in Red Deer that are supposedly for rent. In all cases, the houses were not for rent; two are listed for sale and, in the third instance, a scammer attached an image of a Red Deer house to a fictitious Calgary address. Scammers are copying information from online listings of homes for sale and presenting them as rental opportunities.
“When contacted by potential tenants, rental scammers claim to be out of the country; they instruct victims to send the damage deposit and first month’s rent through an untraceable wire transfer service such as Moneygram or Western Union, and say they will send the keys once they have received the money,” says Corporal Sarah Knelsen of Red Deer RCMP. “Some scammers also ask victims to fill out rental application forms with personal information that could then be used for identity theft and other financial fraud.”
Safety tips when looking for a new home:
- If you can’t view the inside of the place, don’t put down a deposit.
- Be cautious if the price seems low for the size and location. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
- If the photos look professional or appear to be model homes, they may have been copied from a real estate website. You should also be cautious if the photos are very low resolution or of little relevance: for example, showing only the bathroom. That may indicate the “seller” doesn’t have access to the inside of the home.
- If you’re looking at rental ads, be leery of long, flowery descriptions and lists of features; these are more likely to be copied from realtor listings of houses for sale. Descriptions of roof and furnace repairs are also a flag as they aren’t relevant to renters.
- Steer clear of ads that ask you to respond with information such as your age, occupation, income, gender, bank information or Social Insurance Number.
Arm yourself and the vulnerable people in your life by learning how to recognize and protect yourself from fraud: www.antifraudcentre.ca.
RCMP have arrested a male wanted on outstanding warrants. On March 27, 201) at approximately 1:50 am Grande Prairie RCMP responded to a report of shots fired at a residence in the area of 98th Street and 80th Avenue. Police found a wounded male in the residence. EMS treated the injured male on scene and transported him to hospital. Believing this was a targeted incident, RCMP obtained a warrant for the arrest of Justin LIZOTTE, a 23 year old male from Grande Prairie. Lizotte was already wanted on a number of outstanding warrants for matters unrelated to this investigation at the time of the shooting.
On March 29 at approximately 8 p.m. police officers arrested Justin Lizotte after he turned himself into the Grande Prairie RCMP Detachment. Lizotte was arrested without incident.
Lizotte has been charged with two counts of pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, fail to comply with the conditions of a recognizance and discharge of a firearm with intent. Lizotte did not speak to bail and has been remanded into custody pending a his next court appear in Grande Prairie Provincial Court on March 31, 2014.
The shooting victim remains in hospital in stable condition.
On Thursday, March 27th, 2014, members of the Vegreville and Two Hills Detachments of the RCMP along with the Vegreville Community Peace Officer, participated in a 2 hour pep-rally function at the St. Mary's High School in Vegreville. RCMP members participated in 4 volleyball matches followed by 3 basketball matches with students and staff. Members of the RCMP and the CPO participated in this event to help contribute to school spirit, which in turn created a very positive experience for both RCMP members, the CPO, students and staff.
^ Detachment Commander Sgt. Jeremie Landry who just finished doing a volley to Cst. Curtis Harsulla (centre). Cst. Nathan Pitcher, Cst. Alex Dmitrienko and CPO Ken Podoborozny also on the court. During this match RCMP members squared off against the senior boy's volleyball team.
^ CPO Ken Podoborozny just finished a serve, with Detachment Commander Sgt. Jeremie Landry and Cst. Alex Dmitrienko.
On March 27 and 28, 2014 RCMP conducted an enforcement campaign with provincial Commercial Vehicle Enforcement and Lac La Biche County Peace Officers. The blitz was conducted from 9pm till 7am on local highways.
In total officers conducted three checkstops that resulted in approximately 200 vehicles being stopped and checked. Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers conducted checks and inspections on several of the commercial vehicles and 50% of the vehicles had to make repairs, secure items or address other safety issues prior to being allowed to return to the roadway.
Two log trucks were inspected and both had insecure logs. Both of the trailers had logs that were insecure and posed a risk of falling off while in motion. One tractor trailer unit was removed from the road way due to the operator not complying with having periods of rest and for operating while over the maximum allowed hours of driving. He was issued an appearance notice and must attend court to answer to the charge.
Officers also stopped located two vehicles that were being operated by an impaired driver. Both of these vehicles were being operated by females and they were subsequently arrested. One of the vehicles was being operated with the drivers nine year old child as a passenger in the vehicle.
Officers also located several vehicles traveling at excessive speeds with the highest speed being 160K/hr in a 100k/hr area. One driver of a tractor trailer was issued a violation ticket for traveling at 78k/hr past a police car with its emergency lights on after he failed to stop for officers at a checkstop. The tractor trailer unit passed other vehicles stopped at the checkstop by using the oncoming lane of traffic. The tractor trailer then drove past officers who were attempting to get the driver to stop creating a serious risk to the enforcement officers that were on the highway.
Police issued approximately $6,700 in violation tickets over the two nights.
These operations are part of an ongoing commitment by the Lac La Biche RCMP to bring enforcement agencies together and to work on reducing collisions and deaths on Alberta highways.
At approximately 2:00 am March 30, Two Hills RCMP responded to a Robbery at the Fas Gas in Two Hills, Alberta. Two masked males gained entry to the business while the store owner was still inside. The males demanded cash and then fled. RCMP members were quickly on scene and subsequently located a vehicle which was believed to be stolen; running and unoccupied just south of Two Hills on Highway 36. Police Dog Services attended and assisted with the investigation.
At this time, it is believed that approximately $1000.00 in cash was stolen from the store. The store owner who was inside the business at the time, was unharmed and no weapons were used during the robbery.
RCMP are requesting the public's assistance in locating the persons responsible. Tire tracks near the scene are possibly related to a dually pickup-truck which may have been used as a getaway vehicle. The Two suspects are believed to be in their twenties and are described as aboriginal.
If you have any information relating to this incident, please contact the Two Hills RCMP Detachment at 780-657-2820, or anonymously at Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com.
On March 27th, 2014, Two Hills RCMP responded to a Break and Enter at the Andrew Gas Station in Andrew, Alberta.
Surveillance footage showed that 2 persons arrived in a late-90s GMC Sierra pick-up truck at 5:35am. One suspect used an axe to gain entry through the main door before both persons went inside and stole more than 300 packages of cigarettes amongst other items and caused property damage. Suspects remained on scene for more that 12 minutes before leaving. The pick-up truck used should stand out as it has uncommon decals running the length of the vehicle across the fenders and doors. The axe used was left at scene and is currently being examined by RCMP forensic investigators.
Two Hills RCMP are seeking the public's help with any information related to the Break and Enter. The public are encouraged to call immediately regarding any suspicious activity, especially in the overnight or early morning hours. If you have any information please contact the Two Hills RCMP Detachment at 780-657-2820 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com.
Back Row: Two Hills & Area Victim Services Advocate, Cst. Nick Crowther, & Two Hills & Area Victim Services Advocate.
Front Row: Two Hills County Reeve Allan Sayler, Detachment Commander Sgt. Jeremie Landry & Town of Two Hills Mayor Henry Neufeld
Two Hills RCMP, Two Hills Victim Services Advocates, along with the Two Hills County Reeve and Town of Two Hills Mayor, signed a proclamation for Victims of Crime Awareness Week, which is from April 6th to 12th, 2014. The goal of Victims of Crime Week is to raise awareness about issues facing victims of crime and the services, programs and laws in place to help victims and their families.
Brooks RCMP are currently investigating a file that occurred between the evening of Friday March 14 and Sunday March 16, 2014. Someone stole copper welding cables from 4 trucks in a fenced compound, worth an estimated value of $3520.00
If you have information on this, or any other crime, contact your local RCMP Detachment at 403-794-4400 or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest or the recovery of stolen property or the seizure of illicit drugs, you could be eligible for a cash reward. Information also available on the web at www.brookscrimestoppers.com.
CPS seizes counterfeit oxycodone
On Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014, members of the CPS Guns and Gangs Unit concluded an investigation into an alleged drug distribution network.
With the assistance of the RCMP, search warrants were conducted on a vehicle and residence in Chestermere.
As a result of these warrants, officers seized approximately 9,600 80 milligram pills that were suspected to be counterfeit oxycodone, valued at approximately $768,000. Over $3,000 in cash was also located.
The pills were found in a hidden compartment of the vehicle.
Samples of the pills were sent to Health Canada for examination. Investigators have since received confirmation that they contained fentanyl and caffeine.
Brian Thomas HARRINGTON, 29, of Chestermere, has been charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.
Counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl have become increasingly available in various Canadian communities. The presence of fentanyl in these pills increases the risk of overdose among people using them, particularly if they believe they are taking oxycodone.
An alert released by the Canadian Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (CCENDU) states that many of the counterfeit drugs found across Canada resemble oxycodone tablets. Some are green and stamped with “CDN” on one side and the number 80 on the other. More information is available in this drug alert.
This is a further reminder that people using illegally-obtained drugs never know what they contain. There is no safe street drug, and no safe dose of a street drug. There are absolutely no controls in any illegal drug production and drugs are likely cut with various substances, unknown to the user, which may lead to injury or death.
Protect yourself from identity theft and fraud
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft refers to the preparatory stage of acquiring and collecting someone else's personal information for criminal purposes. As of January 8, 2010, Senate Bill S-4 became law, making it illegal to possess another person's identity information for criminal purposes.
What is Identity Fraud?
Identity fraud is the actual deceptive use of the identity information of another person (living or dead) in connection with various frauds (including for example personating another person and the misuse of debit card or credit card data).
Facts
- Identity theft techniques can range from unsophisticated, such as dumpster diving and mail theft, to more elaborate schemes.
- Technology, mainly the Internet, facilitates more elaborate schemes, such as skimming, phishing, and hacking as criminals gather profiles of potential victims. Computer spywares and viruses, designed to help thieves acquire personal information, are an emerging trend.
- Victims of identity theft or fraud can experience financial loss and difficulty obtaining credit or restoring their "good name".
In 2009, the CACF received identity fraud reports from 11,095 Canadian victims, totaling a loss of more than 10 million dollars. This represents an increase of more than 1 million dollars of what was reported in 2008. Payment card fraud was the most commonly reported incident, and yet, many instances of identity theft and fraud go unreported.
Information sought
- Identity thieves are looking for the following information:
- full name
- date of birth
- Social Insurance Numbers
- full address
- mother's maiden name
- username and password for online services
- driver's license number
- personal identification numbers (PIN)
- credit card information (numbers, expiry dates and the last three digits printed on the signature panel)
- bank account numbers
- signature
- passport number
The new legislation on identity theft provides a complete list of identity documents.
The new section 402.1 of the Criminal Code lists the definition and examples of identity information.
What your information could be used for
Criminals can use your stolen or reproduced personal or financial information to:
- access your bank accounts
- open new bank accounts
- transfer bank balances
- apply for loans, credit cards and other goods and services
- make purchases
- hide their criminal activities
- obtain passports or receive government benefits
How can you find out if your identity was stolen
The best way to find out is to monitor your hard copy or on-line financial accounts frequently and to check your credit report regularly for any unusual activities. If you receive calls from collection agencies about unfamiliar accounts, or if you applied for credit and were unexpectedly turned down, you should investigate further.
Report it
If you suspect or know that you are a victim of identity theft or fraud, or if youunwittingly provided personal information or financial information:
- Step 1 - Contact your local police force and file a report.
- Step 2 - Contact your bank/financial institution and credit card company
- Step 3 - Contact the two national credit bureaus and place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
Equifax CanadaToll free: 1-800-465-7166
TransUnion CanadaToll free: 1-877-525-3823
- Step 4 - Always report identity theft and fraud. Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Prevention is the best way to deal with this crime:
- Identity theft can occur over the Internet or telephone, or via fax or regular mail. Therefore, be particularly wary of unsolicited e-mails, telephone calls or mail attempting to extract personal or financial information from you.
- Ask yourself if you really need all of the identity documents you carry in your wallet or purse. Remove any you don't need and keep them in a secure place instead.
- Periodically check your credit reports, bank and credit card statements and report any irregularities promptly to the relevant financial institution and to the credit bureaus.
- During transactions, it's safer to swipe your cards yourself than it is to allow a cashier to do it for you. If you must hand over your card, never lose sight of it.
- Always shield your personal identification number when using an ATM or a PIN pad.
- Memorize all personal identification numbers for payment cards and telephone calling cards. Never write them on the cards.
- Familiarize yourself with billing cycles for your credit and debit cards.
- Trash bins are a goldmine for identity thieves. Make sure you shred personal and financial documents before putting them in the garbage.
- When you change your address, make sure you notify the post office and all relevant financial institutions (your bank and credit card companies).
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Comments are moderated before being published. Please be civil.