Awareness Workshop on Identity Theft and Seniors — Prevention is Better Than Cure

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Archived

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Organization

Option consommateurs

Published

2010

Summary

Option consommateurs put together a workshop and information kit on identity theft aimed at seniors.

The workshop taught participants about what identity theft is (a crime that happens without their knowledge when someone fraudulently obtains their personal information) and made them aware that many people are victims of identity theft. The information provided to participants came from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre (which receives reports of identity theft), Quebec’s Sécurité publique (which conducted a survey) and the Ontario Research Network for Electronic Commerce(ORNEC).

Participants learned how to prevent identity theft. They were taught that by refusing to give their personal information when it is not appropriate, asserting their rights and adopting safe behaviour they can prevent identity theft and even reduce the number of these types of crimes.

Lastly, participants were shown how to periodically check whether they have been victims of identity theft—a measure that can minimize damage—and what to do if they are victims. With this advice, participants are better equipped to protect themselves and deal with situations that could otherwise have serious consequences.

This document is available in the following language(s):

French only

• French (PDF document)

OPC Funded Project

This project received funding support through the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada’s Contributions Program. The opinions expressed in the summary and report(s) are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Summaries have been provided by the project authors. Please note that the projects appear in their language of origin.

Contact Information

Maison du développement durable
50, rue Ste-Catherine Ouest, Bureau 440
Montréal (Québec)
H2X 3V4

Email: info@option-consommateurs.org
Website: http://www.option-consommateurs.org/en/
Tel: (514) 598-7288
Fax: (514) 598-8511