Identity theft is a growing trend in our increasingly technological society. Take time to ensure that everyone in your family is aware of the following protective strategies.

1. Safeguard personal information. Keep your personal information safe, particularly your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and credit card and bank account numbers. Provide personal information only if you have initiated the contact and you're absolutely sure with whom you are dealing. If you're purchasing an item online, make sure that the site is secure. The address should have the prefix "https" and show a padlock.
2. Protect your passwords. Use different passwords for your credit card, bank and telephone accounts. Don't write them down or disclose them to anyone.
3. Be credit card smart. Carry only the personal information and credit cards which you actually need.
4. Secure your mail. Shred or destroy credit card receipts, utility bills and any documents containing personal or account information, as well as preapproved credit card applications you don't want.
5. Ensure computer and Internet security. Equip your computer with a "firewall," which prevents outsiders from accessing the data on your computer. Deal only with reputable, established companies when using the Internet for credit card purchases or banking transactions. Look for digital signatures, data encryption and other technology that enhances user security.
6. Review your records regularly. Check your bank and credit card statements as soon as they arrive. Report any discrepancies immediately.
7. Check your credit rating. At least once a year, obtain a copy of your credit report and make sure that it is accurate. Canada has two national credit bureaus: Equifax Canada (1-800-465-7166, www.equifax.ca) and TransUnion Canada (1-877-525-3823, www.tuc.ca).

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Financial Advisor. CIBC also has valuable information about identity fraud at http://www.cibc.com/ca/legal/privacy-priority.html.

CIBC Imperial Service is available in select markets and is most appropriate for individuals with household investable assets of $100,000. CIBC Imperial Service is part of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce ("CIBC").

CIBC Imperial Service Advisory is published by CIBC Imperial Service with information that is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing. CIBC and its subsidiaries and affiliates are not liable for any errors or omissions. This newsletter is intended to provide general information and should not be construed as specific legal, lending, insurance or tax advice. Individual circumstances and current events are critical to sound planning; anyone wishing to act on the articles in this newsletter should consult with his or her Financial Advisor.

Banking products and services are provided by CIBC. CIBC Imperial Investor Service is a division of CIBC Investor Services Inc. ("CIBC ISI"), a subsidiary of CIBC, and Member CIPF. CIBC ISI provides investment and brokerage products and services.

1 Transactions must first be posted to your account before they can trigger a spend alert. It may then take up to 24 hours after a triggering transaction is posted for an alert to be sent.

2 This service is provided by Equifax Canada, a leading credit bureau in Canada.

† Canadian Social Trends, Summer 2005, Statistics Canada.

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