Security & Privacy

Identity Theft

What Is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is more than someone merely stealing your credit card and making fraudulent charges on it. Identity theft happens when someone uses another person's personal information in order to commit theft. This information may be as simple as a name, address and date of birth, or as detailed as a Social Insurance Number, or a mother's maiden name or password. Identity thieves use this information to open credit card accounts, obtain loans, drain bank accounts and even commit crimes. All of these can damage your credit report and your credit rating.

Identity Theft can happen to anyone

This growing crime affects more and more people every day. Yet, most people think that it can't happen to them. That's why there's Citi™ Identity Theft Solutions. It's a free service to all Citi cardmembers. So, if you think your identity has been tampered with, Citi will be there to help resolve the matter and help you get your life back.

There are steps you can take to make yourself less vulnerable to Identity Theft:

Keep a list of account numbers in a safe place along with contact numbers and addresses. This information is crucial if you're reporting a problem to your creditors.
Review your credit reports regularly. This is the best way to find out if you've been a victim of identity theft. You can obtain a copy of your credit report from one of the following credit bureaus:

Equifax - 1-800-316-4118
TransUnion - 1-877-525-3823

Sign all new cards immediately.
Store your cards in a safe place where you will know right away if one is missing.
Report lost or stolen cards immediately.
Don't ever leave your card as a "security deposit." Use your driver's license or other ID if necessary.
Never let anyone borrow your card.
Watch your mail closely if you are expecting a new or replacement card.
Never carry your PIN with you or write it on the back of your card.
Don't use an obvious number, such as your date of birth or phone number for your PIN.
Always notify your bank and other credit issuers with change of address or phone number.
Close all inactive accounts.

Don't leave receipts at ABMs, bank counters, supermarkets or gasoline pumps.
Tear up or shred all receipts and mail you no longer need before throwing them out.
Don't throw any personal information in a public trash container.

Remove mail as soon after delivery as possible.
Deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes or at your local post office.
If you plan on being away from home for an extended period of time, ask a neighbour or friend you trust to pick up your mail for you.

Keep items with personal information in a safe place at home.
Don't carry your Social Insurance Number (SIN) card with you or write your number down on anything you carry.
Never store your wallet or purse in a locked car or trunk.

Never give your account number, Social Insurance Number or any other identifying information when receiving an unsolicited phone call. If unsure about a caller, call the company back at a phone number you know to be valid.

Don't download files sent by strangers. Opening a file could expose your system to a computer virus that could access your personal information.
Use a secure browser - software that encrypts or scrambles information you send over the Internet - to guard the security of your online transactions.
Delete all personal information before you dispose of a computer.
Look for website privacy policies. They answer questions about maintaining accuracy, access, security, and control of personal information collected by the site, as well as how information will be used, and whether it will be provided to third parties.

Find more information from the Consumer Measures Committee.

If you feel that someone may be tampering with your identity, we can help. Simply go to our Citi Identity Theft Solutions page to find out what steps you need to take. The service is free - because you can't put a price on your identity.

24 hours a day,
seven days a week

Outside North America
416-947-2323