Protecting your financial information in the event of a data breach

A data breach happens when a fraudster hacks into a computing resource. For example, your computer or your financial institution or services company’s database.

Once introduced into the resource, the fraudster tries to steal your personal or financial information. With this information, he may access your accounts and steal your money. He may also try to borrow money in your name.

Protect yourself from a data breach

If a fraudster has recently hacked your financial institution or a company you deal with, you may be at risk.

Protect yourself from fraud by following these tips:

• change your passwords regularly
• review your bank account and credit card statements on a regular basis
• make sure there are no unauthorized transactions
• report any unauthorized transactions immediately
• order or access your credit report and review it
• report any errors on your credit report immediately

If you’re a victim of a data breach

If you’re a witness or victim of a data breach or other types of fraud, report it quickly.  

• contact your financial institution and any other companies where your account has been compromised
• contact Canada’s two main credit bureaus: Equifax and TransUnion 
• ask the credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report. Lenders will need to contact you and confirm your identity before they approve any application for credit
• contact your local police to file a complaint

Report the fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre operates through a partnership of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Competition Bureau Canada. It’s Canada's central repository for information about fraud.

Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Other types of fraud

Cybercrime

Cybercrime includes crimes committed using Internet and information technologies. This includes computers, tablets or smartphones. You can protect yourself online by securing your accounts, devices and connections.

Learn more about cyber security.

Identity theft and fraud

Identity theft occurs when a fraudster steals your personal information. Identity fraud happens when a fraudster uses that stolen personal information to commit another crime.

Learn more about identity theft and fraud.

Credit card fraud

Credit card fraud happens when someone steals and uses your credit card or credit card information without your permission.

Learn more about credit card fraud.

Debit card fraud

Debit card fraud happens when a fraudster makes an unauthorized transaction with your card or debit card information.

Learn more about debit card fraud.

Real estate fraud

There are two main types of real estate fraud; title fraud and foreclosure fraud. This happens when fraudsters attempt to steal the title to your home to resell or refinance it.

Learn more about real estate fraud.

Related link

• Getting your credit report and credit score