What to Do When Your Identity Has Been Stolen: Legal Advice to Protect Yourself

Discovering that your identity has been stolen can be overwhelming and stressful. Someone may be using your personal information — such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN), banking details, or credit card numbers — to commit fraud in your name. Whether it’s unauthorized purchases, fake loans, or even tax fraud, the impact can be severe and long-lasting. If you’re a victim of identity theft in Canada, here’s what you need to know and the legal steps to take.

1. Report the Identity Theft Immediately

Start by reporting the identity theft to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. The CAFC collects information and provides advice on protecting yourself. You can file a report online or by phone.

Next, contact your local police department and file a police report. This is important for documentation and may be required by creditors or financial institutions to investigate the fraud.

If your Social Insurance Number (SIN) has been compromised, contact Service Canada immediately. In cases where your SIN has been used fraudulently, they may issue a new number.

2. Contact the Credit Bureaus

Canada’s two main credit bureaus are Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada. Contact them to:

• Place a fraud alert on your credit file

• Request a free copy of your credit report

• Review your report for suspicious activity or unfamiliar accounts

A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving credit. You may also consider a credit freeze, which prevents new credit from being opened under your name without your consent.

3. Contact Financial Institutions and Close Compromised Accounts

Reach out to your bank, credit card companies, and any other financial service providers to report the fraud. Close any affected accounts and open new ones with different PINs and passwords. Be sure to update your login credentials and enable multi-factor authentication for extra security.

If any unauthorized transactions occurred, ask your bank to investigate and reimburse you where applicable. Most financial institutions have fraud protection policies in place.

4. Contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

If someone used your identity to file a false tax return or access your CRA account, contact the CRA immediately. You may need to:

• Review your My Account details for suspicious activity

• Complete Form RC312 – Request for a Copy of Taxpayer Information

• Speak with CRA’s Identity Theft Team

They will help secure your account and take steps to investigate and correct the issue.

5. Consult a Legal Professional

If the identity theft has caused major issues — like serious financial loss, legal problems, or collection threats — consult a lawyer who specializes in privacy law, consumer protection, or fraud. A legal expert can help you:

• Clear your name and dispute fraudulent debts

• Communicate with creditors and government agencies

• Rebuild your credit and prevent future legal complications

6. Monitor and Protect Yourself Going Forward

Continue to monitor your credit reports, bank statements, and online accounts regularly. Consider enrolling in identity theft protection services, and stay cautious with how and where you share your personal information.

Final Thoughts

Identity theft is a serious crime in Canada, but you don’t have to face it alone. Take action quickly, report the fraud, and get legal support if needed. The sooner you respond, the better your chances of minimizing the damage and regaining control of your personal identity.