On September 7, 2017, Equifax, a provider of consumer credit reports, reported that it had experienced a data breach affecting the personal information for as many as 143 million people located in or having dealings with the US. An undetermined number of Canadians with dealings in the US were affected as well. According to Equifax, the unauthorized access occurred from mid-May 2017 through July 2017. Other sources, however, report that Equifax’s security may have been compromised as early as November 2016.

On September 12, 2017, the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (the Privacy Commissioner) published an announcement responding to complaints and calls from individuals concerned about the recent Equifax data breach. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has launched an official investigation into the situation.

The Privacy Commissioner suggests that Canadians who are concerned that they may have been affected consider the following steps:

  • monitor credit cards and bank accounts regularly for any unauthorized transactions;
  • report any concerns involving a theft or crime to local police;
  • report any incidents involving a scam or fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre; and
  • advise your bank and credit card companies if you believe that you have been targeted by identify fraud.

Summary By: Jae Morris

 

E-TIPS® ISSUE

17 09 20

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