FAQ—Frequently Asked Questions
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What is identity theft?
Identity theft refers to the theft of personal information (ie. driver’s license,
bank statements) in order to then use this information to impersonate another
person for financial or other gains.
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Does identity theft really pose a risk to me?
Yes. Statistics show that identity theft is on the rise, affecting more and more Canadians daily. This rise in identity theft has even lead the Canadian government to recently enact an amendment to the Criminal Code, Bill C-27.
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What are some of the ways I can tell if I’m a victim?
Some common indicators include:
- Calls or letters informing you that your application has been approved
or denied, from creditors you have not applied - Receiving credit card statements or bills from creditors you have
no knowledge of - Missing credit card statements or other mailing
- Calls from a collection agency informing you that they are collecting
for a default account which you never established
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How do identity thieves obtain my personal information?
Some common methods include:
- Stealing mail or dumpster diving (rummaging through garbage for
discarded personal information) - Changing your address as to divert mail to obtain credit card
statements and other financial details - Shoulder surfing (eavesdropping on transactions in public)
- Data breaches (secure information that is lost by companies who
store personal information) - Pick pocketing (stealing wallets or purses containing payment
cards and identification) - Skimming (obtaining information through compromised card readers)
- Phishing (impersonating a trusted company or institution in
order to obtain personal information)
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What are the ways identity thieves can use my personal information?
Predominantly, the goal of identity thieves is financial gain. By obtaining your personal information (ie. date of birth, SIN number, driver’s license) identity thieves can open new accounts, obtain new credit cards and/or loans in your name. Correspondences with creditors for these accounts are then often sent an address or PO Box specified by the identity thieves. With the widespread ability to make an application electronically via the internet, this only makes the process easier.
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What does your service do for me that I cannot do myself?
When it comes to identity theft, individuals are often limited to taking reactive measures (ie. responding to a collection call). In many cases, those measures are themselves only undertaken far after the fact. Most individuals also lack the knowledge, resources, experience and time to deal with the matter themselves. Imagine searching through your credit bureau profile report every day searching for changes to your information.
With the idAlerts integrated system, we monitor your profile on a daily basis for all changes reported to the Credit Bureau including these 14 key elements:
- New Address
- New Inquiry
- New Trade Line
- New Registered Item
- New Collection
- Trade Rating Deteriorating
- New Fraud Victim Alert
- New Employment
- New Phone Number
- New Legal
- New Bankruptcy
- New Name
- Trade Rating Improving
- Change of Credit Limit in a Revolving Trade
As soon as any changes occur on your credit report, we notify you of that change through the method(s) of notification(s) you choose during enrollment.
We are also there to provide you with the experience and insurance coverage necessary to restore your identity should you ever fall victim to identity theft.
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What is a credit report?
A credit report contains an individual’s credit history; their record of borrowing and repaying. It also contains information such as late payments, legal judgments and any bankruptcy related to that individual. The credit reporting system helps credit grantors approve loans and credit within minutes, providing continuously updated information assisting fast and accurate decisions in dealing with consumer credit transactions. The credit reporting system is beneficial for everyone. Businesses recognize they can rely on credit bureau data to make sound judgments regarding credit. Consumers benefit through quicker credit decisioning without question of personal prejudice or subjective judgment.
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What is a credit score?
A credit score is a numerical snapshot of an individual’s credit worthiness based on the information contained within their credit report and is created using a mathematical formula that measures data from your credit profile. Credit scores evaluate your payment behavior, debt levels and credit history. Factors like income, race and gender are not measured in the scoring process. The credit scoring system is used by lenders, insurers, landlords, employers, utility companies and even judges to evaluate your credit behavior. Having a high credit score will help you receive the best rates on new credit and loans.
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Why do I need insurance for identity theft?
The truth is that there simply is no way stop identity thieves from obtaining and trying to use your information. Our insurance coverage of up to $25,000 (no deductable) ensures that when they do try, you are covered through the restoration process.
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How do I obtain more information?
To obtain more information about idAlerts you can either email us at registration@idalerts.ca or contact us toll free at 1.866.353.3131 (during regular customer service hours).
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What are your customer service hours?
Our regular customer service hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm EST.
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How do I enroll for idAlerts?
To enroll for idAlerts Identity Theft Protection you can:
- Enroll online. or
- Contact our call center at 1.866.353.3131 to enroll by phone.
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What do I do if I forgot my password?
If you have forgotten your password please:
- Proceed to the Login
- Click on Forgot Password?
- Input your Username (your email address as provided during registration)
Once you have done so, a new randomly generated password will be sent to your email. You will then need to input this password when prompted during the login process.
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How do I change or update my contact information?
You can change or update your contact information by:
- Selecting the “View and Make Changes” option on your Member Logon Site, or
- Contacting our call center at 1.8666.353.3131
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I have not received any alerts in months, why should I still use this service?
If you have not received any alerts then there has been no activity on your credit report; either on your part, your creditors or identity thieves. Knowing when changes do occur is vital to protecting your personal information.
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How do I know my information is safe with idAlerts?
Protecting your personal information is a critical component of idAlerts service delivery. We utilize the latest technology and security protocols to ensure your personal information is safeguarded and your privacy respected, and that only you can access your account. These safeguards include:
Individualized password:
When registering for one of idAlerts services, you will be asked to create a personal password, which will allow you access your account information via our online Member Logon Site (your unique email address also acts as your account User ID).This information is encrypted during transmission.
Timed log-off:
The idAlerts system will automatically log you off from idAlerts Online after 10 minutes of inactivity. This reduces the risk of others accessing your information from your unattended computer.
Captcha:
idAlerts utilizes CAPTCHA (an acronym for "Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart). CAPTCHA is a type of challenge-response test used in computing to determine whether or not the user is human. The user types the letters of a distorted image, sometimes with the addition of an obscured sequence of letters or digits that appears on the screen. Because the test is administered by a computer, it acts in contrast to the standard Turing test that is administered by a human.
Two Way Authentications:
idAlerts two-way authentication process refers to two parties authenticating each other suitably. In technology terms, it refers to a client or user authenticating themselves to a server and that server authenticating itself to the user in such a way that both parties are assured of the others' identity.
Firewall:
idAlerts computer systems are protected 24 hours a day by a powerful firewall that blocks unauthorized entry. In order to gain access to authorized information, the Web browser you are using must know the proper protocol, or language, and even then only select information is available.
Encryption:
From the moment account information leaves your computer to the time it enters the idAlerts system, all online access sessions are encrypted. idAlerts employs some of the strongest forms of encryption commercially available for use on the Web today.
During any transaction, your information is turned into into a coded sequence with billions of possible variations, making it nearly impossible for unwanted intruders to decipher. The idAlerts computers possess the proper formulas to turn this code back into meaningful information and complete your transaction.
Constant surveillance:
idAlerts security team maintains and monitors our security systems to make sure that your accounts are safe and secure.
Additional Security Measures:
idAlerts layered approach to online security extends beyond a unique username and password, 128-bit encryption, a powerful firewall, technology updates, and continuous surveillance. We have additional security measures that may be activated in response to certain activities or events. If we are suspicious of any online behavior, we may restrict online access to accounts or prevent certain types of transactions. These measures safeguard your identity and your accounts. Further proof of identity may be required before online access is restored.
Technology updates:
To resist constantly evolving online threats, idAlerts has adopted proven industry standards for technology to protect your account security.