Identity Fraud

Identity fraud is the stealing of personal information and then using it illegally. If you think you are a victim of identity fraud and you are a CIBC customer, please contact CIBC immediately at 1-888-872-2422.

Once thieves have enough personal information, whether they retrieve it from unshredded documents in your trash, steal your purse or wallet, or gather information that you have posted on the Internet, they may change your address with creditors and apply for new loans or credit cards in your name. You may not be aware of the theft of your identity until months or years have passed.

You can take certain basic steps to protect yourself from identity fraud:

Protect your personal information. Do not give your account or VISA card information to anybody, whether in person, over the phone, or online, unless you are confident that you are sure who you are dealing with. Do not carry your Social Insurance Number card in your wallet unless it is necessary.

Memorize your passwords and bank machine Secret Code. Don't write down your bank machine Secret Code or your Online Banking password. If you must write these down, keep them in a safe place and do not carry them in your wallet or purse. Never give this information to anybody, even a CIBC employee. Our employees will never ask you for this information so be suspicious of anybody asking for it.

Keep your Personal Verification Question (PVQ) answers safe. Do not share your Personal Verification Question (PVQ) answers with anyone, and do not disclose them in any e-mails. Giving your PVQ answers to another person or company places your finances and privacy at risk. CIBC will never send you an e-mail requesting this information. Your PVQ answers for CIBC Online Banking should be unique - do not use PVQ answers that you have used previously on other web sites.

Report thefts and losses immediately. If your wallet or purse is stolen, or if you think you've lost it, contact CIBC immediately at 1-888-872-2422 to block your accounts and CIBC VISA cards from use. For lost or stolen CIBC VISA cards, please call 1-800-663-4575.

Shred or tear up junk mail and statements. If you don't want a pre-approved credit card offer, tear it up or shred it. Identity fraud often occurs by thieves going through trash looking for these offers. As well, tear up or shred any personal information you are going to throw away, such as receipts that show your CIBC VISA card number or bank statements.

Review your account statements. Ensure that all transactions on your statement are genuine. Report suspicious transactions immediately to CIBC at 1-800-465-2422.

Review your credit report. At least once each year, contact a credit bureau to check the accuracy of your credit report.

Protect your bank machine Secret Code. When entering your Secret Code or PIN at an ABM or INTERAC® terminal, position yourself to block others from observing you enter your PIN. Stay alert when you are using an ABM by yourself.

Protect your credit cards. Sign credit cards as soon as you receive them. Cancel inactive cards and don't lend your credit cards to anybody.