TL;DR: File a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), the national body that collects information on fraud and identity theft across Canada.
How to Report Identity Theft in Canada — a clear, step-by-step guide to what to do and how long it takes.
Step 1: Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
File a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), the national body that collects information on fraud and identity theft across Canada.
Step 2: File a police report
Contact your local police service to file a report — many banks and credit bureaus in Canada require a police report number to process identity theft disputes.
Step 3: Contact Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada
Reach out to both credit bureaus to place a fraud alert or freeze on your file and check for accounts opened without your knowledge.
Step 4: Notify your bank and other affected institutions
Tell your bank, credit card issuers, and any other company where fraud occurred so they can secure your accounts and investigate.
Step 5: Keep records of every report and reference number
Save your CAFC report number and police file number — you'll need them when disputing fraudulent accounts with banks and credit bureaus.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading How to Report Identity Theft to the FTC.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see How to Report Identity Theft in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
File a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), the national body that collects information on fraud and identity theft across Canada.
Step 2: File a police report
Contact your local police service to file a report — many banks and credit bureaus in Canada require a police report number to process identity theft disputes.
Step 3: Contact Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada
Reach out to both credit bureaus to place a fraud alert or freeze on your file and check for accounts opened without your knowledge.
Step 4: Notify your bank and other affected institutions
Tell your bank, credit card issuers, and any other company where fraud occurred so they can secure your accounts and investigate.
Step 5: Keep records of every report and reference number
Save your CAFC report number and police file number — you'll need them when disputing fraudulent accounts with banks and credit bureaus.