Identity Theft

 

 

 

 

Keep your financial details safe and secure to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

What is identity theft?

 

Identity theft occurs when someone obtains personal information such as your name, address, date of birth or other personal identifiers such as a Social Insurance Number, driver’s license number, credit or charge Card number, telephone number or other account number without your consent.

 

Identity thieves are able to use this information to open credit accounts, bank accounts, telephone service accounts, and make major purchases—all in your name. This information can also be used to take over existing accounts or to open new accounts.

 

Identity theft can result in damage to your credit rating and denials of credit and job offers. That’s why it’s important to keep all your financial details safe and secure.

What to do in an Emergency

 

Lost your Card or eligible device or think you’ve been a victim of fraud? Call 1-800-869-3016 or the number on the back of your card. Outside of Canada (please call collect) 905-474-0870. For Corporate Cardmembers, please call 1-800-716-6661.

 

What Identity Theft Can Look Like

 

Dumpster diving

 

"Dumpster-divers" go through your trash looking for the papers you've thrown away that may contain information that can be used for fraudulent purposes.

 

Pharming

 

You may be misled into entering your personal information on a replica website that is designed to appear legitimate. Identity thieves then use the acquired personal information to access your accounts.

 

Phishing

 

Fraudsters send fake emails, create bogus websites and make phone calls, pretending to be from a bank or credit Card company to trick you into sharing information.

  

Preventing identity theft

 

To help you stay protected, here are some easy ways to prevent identity theft.

 

Detecting identity theft

 

Step 1

Contact the national bureaus and request copies of your credit report.

 

Step 2

Review all of your credit reports carefully.

 

Step 3

If you find any incorrect or suspicious information, contact the credit bureau(s) and relevant creditor(s) immediately to correct your information.

What you can do if you’ve been a victim of identity theft

 

It’s important to take action right away if you think you may have been a victim of identity theft. Here’s what you can do.

 

Related Pages

Fraud Protection

 

We have intelligent security systems in place to help protect your Card from fraud1.

Alerts & Notifications

 

Keep track of your account with personalized updates through email, SMS, and/or our Amex App.

Terms and Conditions

 

TM, ®: Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.

 

1. We will guarantee protection against fraudulent payments on your Card, provided you have taken the responsibility to notify us immediately, and you have complied with your Card Terms and Conditions.