Privacy Commissioner of Canada, Jennifer Stoddart Joins the Ottawa Event
OTTAWA June 28, 2012 – The Canadian Identity Theft Support Centre, a new, first-of-its-kind support centre dedicated to victims of identity crimes was launched today with events in both Vancouver and Ottawa. Canada’s Privacy Commissioner, Jennifer Stoddart, marked the occasion by delivering a statement at the Ottawa kick-off.
“Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in Canada and with this launch, victims can call into our Centre and receive guidance and support to help regain control of their lives,” said Kevin Scott, President of the Canadian Identity Theft Prevention Association. “Victims are typically left to figure things out on their own, which can take up to hundreds of hours and incur huge costs. We assist individuals free-of-charge, from start to finish in the process of identity recovery.”
In addition to a toll-free number and live, step-by-step support, the Centre provides online resources to help victims deal with the fallout of identity theft, ranging from credit and debit card fraud to wholesale takeovers of lives. The Centre also offers resources for individuals seeking information on prevention of identity crimes, and provides advice on protective measures that can reduce the risk of identity theft.
“Identity theft is a particularly troublesome crime from the victim’s standpoint, as they must first prove that they are not the fraudster,” said Sue Sproule, assistant professor, Brock University and Canadian expert on identity theft. “The Canadian Identity Theft Support Centre will provide much needed support to Canadian victims.”
Over the next two to three years, the Centre plans to grow its operations, offering services in multiple languages and creating satellite offices across Canada. The Center’s flagship ‘call-centre’ will provide free telephone support from expert case advisors who will assist Canadians from coast-to-coast and will specialize in assisting vulnerable groups, including seniors and youth. The Centre will also provide state-of-the-art online support in the form of interactive video presentations, online tool kits and downloadable ‘how-to’ packages.
“Anyone can become a victim of identity theft, and the Centre’s ultimate target audience is all potential victims – or in other words, all Canadians,” said Lindsay Lee, Director, Canadian Identity Theft Support Centre. “With more Canadians living on-line it is key for us to communicate on multiple platforms.”
The Canadian Identity Theft Support Centre is modeled on a similar U.S. organization based in San Diego, California. It is a non-profit organization with a wide range of expert knowledge and support from academia, the private and public sectors.
For more info on the Canadian Identity Theft Support Center – http://idtheftsupportcentre.org/
