Identity theft is a frightening prospect, but a local credit union is teaching Burnaby residents how to avoid it this coming week.
Burnaby Vancity branches are providing tips on how to prevent identity theft and fraud on Wednesday evening, according to a press release from the credit union.
"As your local community credit union, we are offering free workshops for people in your community to attend and ask questions, learn how to protect themselves from fraud and identify theft and credit card tips," Lorraine Wilson, media relations consultant for Vancity, wrote in an email to the NOW, adding that November is financial literacy month.
The workshops take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Burnaby Heights community branch, 4302 Hastings St.; the Royal Oak community branch, 6632 Royal Oak Ave.; and the South Slope community branch, 7384 Market Crossing.
A workshop on the costs and obligations of credit cards and prepaid credit cards is also taking place on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the North Road community branch, 3977 North Rd.
Wilson also sent some tips from Catherine Ludgate, manager of community business banking at Vancity.
To minimize the risk of identity theft or fraud:
- Report suspicious financial transactions.
- Protect your online passwords, whether on your computer or mobile phone.
- Be wary of any strange calls from collection agencies, or of new credit cards that come in the mail that you haven't applied for.
- Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately.
