As Canadians have become increasingly more comfortable with sharing personal information through online activities, cases of identity theft have been on the rise in Canada. To help combat this problem, COSECO includes identity theft coverage on all home, condominium and tenant insurance policies at no extra cost.

If you become the victim of identity theft, we will reimburse up to $10,000 for expenses associated with someone stealing and using your personal information. Insured costs include legal fees, the cost of notarizing affidavits or sending certified mail, and earnings lost due to time away from work. There’s no deductible, and identity theft claims won’t affect your claims-free discount.

Personal data is precious

Identity thieves can use information such as your name, date of birth, address, credit card number, Social Insurance Number (SIN) and other personal details to take over an existing bank account or to open new ones. They can also use that information to apply for credit cards and mortgages, redirect mail, establish cell phone service, rent vehicles, buy merchandise and even get a job.

Help reduce your risk of identity theft significantly with the following tips for managing your personal information wisely:

• Limit the number of credit cards you carry around and cancel ones you don’t use.
  
  
• Report lost or stolen credit cards and unfamiliar charges on your bill right away.
  
  
• Never leave receipts at bank machines or in trash cans.
  
  
• Shred or securely store all financial statements and personal documents you no longer need. Destroy pre-approved credit applications.
  
  
• Remove your mail from your mailbox right away.
  
  
• Don’t keep your birth certificate, passport or SIN card in your wallet.
  
  
• Memorize your PINs and computer passwords. Don’t write them down or use obvious passwords, like your birth date.
  
  
• When using debit cards, make sure your card is swiped only once in the proper card reader. Shield the keypad when entering your PIN.

For more information about identity theft coverage, contact a Licensed Insurance Representative at 1-888-394-4964.