Identity fraud can affect anyone, often without any immediate warning signs. In Canada, it was the most commonly reported type of fraud in 2024, with 9,683 cases reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Since only an estimated 5% to 10% of incidents are reported, the true extent of the problem is likely far greater. The good news is that a few simple habits can help you spot the warning signs early and protect your entire family, from children to seniors.
- The difference between identity theft and identity fraud
- How your personal information ends up in the hands of fraudsters
- Seven warning signs of identity fraud to watch for
- The financial and legal impacts of identity fraud
- The first three steps to take if you become a victim
- How to protect children and seniors from identity fraud
The difference between identity theft and identity fraud
The two terms are closely related, but they refer to different stages of the same crime.
Identity theft
Identity theft occurs when someone obtains your personal information without your knowledge or consent, such as:
- Your name
- Your date of birth
- Your Social Insurance Number
Identity fraud
Identity fraud occurs when that stolen information is used for criminal purposes, such as:
- Impersonating you
- Opening an account in your name
- Stealing money or making unauthorized purchases
The Autorité des marchés financiers du Québec describes identity-related fraud as the fraudulent use of a person's data to deceive others. In other words, identity theft provides the data, and identity fraud puts it to criminal use.
How your personal information ends up in the hands of fraudsters
Your personal information can fall into the wrong hands through several channels. The most common include phishing (booby-trapped emails or texts), card skimming, and the collection of personal details shared on social media.
Massive data breaches also play a major role and call for extra vigilance. The information exposed often includes a person's full name, date of birth, or Social Insurance Number. Combined, these details can give fraudsters almost everything they need to steal an identity.
In 2024, three-quarters of fraud-related losses in Canada stemmed from crimes committed online, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). This finding reflects how widespread collection through digital channels has become.
7 warning signs of identity fraud to watch for
No single sign is enough to confirm that you’re a victim of identity fraud, but each one should prompt a closer look. TransUnion Canada and the credit bureaus regularly flag the following warning signs:
- One or more accounts (Internet, Mobile, Television) are opened in your name
- A creditor notifies you of a credit application made in your name
- You receive an approval or refusal for a card you never applied for
- Your usual credit card statements stop arriving
- Unusual purchases appear on your statements
- A collection agency contacts you about an unfamiliar account
- A credit application is refused for no apparent reason
When in doubt, it's better to contact the institution involved as soon as possible. Acting quickly can help limit the damage.
The financial and legal impacts of identity fraud
When personal information falls into the hands of fraudsters, the consequences often extend far beyond financial loss.
Victims may spend months correcting their credit file, on top of other administrative and legal steps such as changing a phone number, cancelling credit cards, and disputing fraudulent contracts.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported more than $630 million in fraud losses in 2024. According to Statistics Canada, that represents only about 11% of all cases. The rest is never reported. The identity fraud rate alone rose 2% in 2024, reaching 50 incidents per 100,000 people.
The first three steps to take if you become a victim
If you suspect identity fraud, acting quickly can help limit the damage. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada recommends taking the following steps:
- Secure your accounts. Change affected passwords and create strong, unique passwords, and notify your bank and card issuers to block access.
- Report the fraud. Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or at 1-888-495-8501 and file a report with your local police if a crime was committed.
- Protect your credit file. Review your file with Equifax and TransUnion and contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-7383 if you believe your tax information has been compromised.
Remember, you don’t have to handle the situation alone. These resources exist precisely to help you regain control quickly.
How to protect children and seniors from identity fraud
Identity fraud can affect people of any age, including children and seniors. In fact, children and seniors are prime targets, often because the fraudulent use goes unnoticed for longer.
Protecting your children's identity
A minor's identity can be particularly valuable to fraudsters, since children receive no account statements or notices that might raise a red flag. As a result, fraudulent activity can go undetected for years.
As a parent or guardian, you can request a protective alert linked to your child's Social Insurance Number through Canada’s two major credit bureaus. With Equifax, the request can be made by phone at 1-800-465-7166, with two pieces of parental ID. TransUnion offers a similar process.
For teenagers, who are often more active online, it’s important to go beyond the usual online safety advice. Make sure they understand how to properly protect their phone.
Helping the seniors around you
Seniors are frequent targets of fraudulent phone calls, text messages, and emails. Criminals often view them as particularly vulnerable and may continue targeting the same person once contact has been established.
For example, after posing as an advisor from a financial institution, fraudsters may contact the person again, claiming to act on behalf of a collection agency.
When it comes to prevention, support and guidance can make a real difference. Take the time to review suspicious emails together and show the seniors in your life how to block unwanted numbers on their mobile phone.
It can also be helpful to provide a simple, printed reference sheet with key safety reminders.
- Never give out personal information over the phone or by email to an unsolicited caller
- Review bank statements regularly
- Ask to call the person back instead of giving out information
Wait for an unknown number to leave a message rather than answering
Stay informed with Videotron
You can visit our web section dedicated to cybersecurity resources. There you'll find everything you need to help you stay in prevention mode or respond effectively if an incident occurs
To go further
Find more tips and tools in Videotron’s Family Space to help parents guide their children’s digital habits and keep the whole family safer online.
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Publié 06-08-2026
Version 1.0
