Anyone with a computer and a connection to the Internet can fall victim to identity theft, and young consumers are especially vulnerable.
 
As part of Consumer Awareness Week, the Ontario government is urging young consumers to keep their personal and financial information private and secure.  

An estimated 60 percent of young people in Canada use social networking websites such as Facebook and MySpace. Identity thieves can take simple information such as your birthday or your pet’s name, as clues to common passwords and steal your identity. 

On March 28, Ontario launched a young consumer awareness campaign that focuses on smart money management, credit education, identity theft and social networking security.
 
QUOTES

“Young people are not always aware of the risks when they post their detailed life history.  Everyone using these sites should be careful to protect their identity and personal information,” said Chris Ferguson, Director of Ontario’s Consumer Protection Branch. 

QUICK TIPS

• Limit the personal information you give out online. Never share your passwords with anyone. 
• Understand that information exchanged in chat rooms, bulletin boards and social network sites is not private.
• Before giving out your credit card number or other financial information, make sure the Internet browser is protected and secure. 
• Install fire-wall, anti-virus, anti-spyware and security software, and keep it up to date.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about Consumer Awareness Week

Read more about your rights as an Ontario consumer

Order your 2008 Smart Consumer Calendar today

MEDIA

Greg Dennis,
Minister’s Office,
416-327-3072

Ciaran Ganley,
Communications Branch,
416-325-8659