In the age of information technology where personal information about individuals can be collected easily and stored indefinitely, protecting your personal information and your privacy has become a daunting task but nevertheless, a growing necessity.

Always keep in mind the five W’s of protecting your privacy when asked to disclose your personal information.

Who wants it and who will have access to it?
Why do they want it?
What will it be used for?
Where will your information be stored?
When will your information be used and when will it be discarded?

Identity theft is a rapidly growing crime that affects thousands of victims each year, with serious consequences. As part of our mandate to serve the public, the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario (IPC) has developed information materials and self-help tips for individuals on how to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft.

Links of interest:

• Identity Theft: How to Protect Yourself;
• If you wanted to know...Identity theft and your credit report: What you can do to protect yourself;
• Identity Theft: Who’s Using Your Name; and
• Identity Theft Revisited: Security is Not Enough.