Keep Tabs On Your Credit

If a credit report shows there have been inquiries from companies to which the consumer has not applied for credit, or information from resources you have not dealt with, it may indicate that someone else is using the person’s identity or your credit.

The two Canadian credit agencies—Equifax credit and Transition—do provide Canadians with free regular access to their credit Reports. The individual must request the report in writing and include proof of identity.
Websites at www.equifax.com, www.efx-canada and www.tuscores.ca

Scams…
Other tips can found on the Phone busters website at phonebusters.com.
Phonebusters is a joint effort of the RCMP, OPP and the Federal Competition Bureau.

Tips Include:
•Shred anything containing personal information before discarding it.
•Don’t reveal personal information unless you understand how it will be used.
•Don’t leave mail where others have access to it.
•Don’t give information to anyone unless you initiate contact.
•Don’t give information to anyone calling or e-mailing unless you are certain you know who it is.

And if you get an e-mail, phone call or letter with something that seems too good to be true, it probab is Scams claiming you have won money, or that someone needs help with a promise of a large payment, have been rampant for years and people still fall for them. The phone-busters site contains several examples of common scams.

There is no harm in taking the time to ask questions and respond later. if the contact is legitimate, they will co-operate to give you contact information and answer what ever questions you have, if they require an immediate response, refuse to provide information, or refuse to give you a way to contact them, the odds are they are not legitimate