October 2, 2017 (Toronto, ON) \u2013 In 2016 alone, Canadians lost $40 million due to online scams. Millennials and Generation Z in particular have become natural targets because of their strong presence on social media. Online security breaches and identity theft are on the rise, which is why Aviva Canada is stepping up to help educate people on how to protect themselves and their families. Watch this eye-opening and interactive video to learn tips on how to avoid various theft tactics such as online scams and \u201cskimming\u201d \u2013 when thieves install a fake credit card reader to steal numbers and record PINs with small cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOctober is Cyber Security Awareness month and it\u2019s more important than ever for Canadians to be vigilant with their personal information. From January 2014 to December 2016 alone, Canadians lost more than $290 million to identity theft fraud and online scams,\u201d said Phil Gibson, Chief Underwriting Officer, Aviva Canada. \u201cWe want to empower people to protect themselves online and in daily interactions where they might be vulnerable.\u201d
Aviva\u2019s Identity Theft coverage is now even better.<\/strong>
In the effort to better protect customers in case of identity theft, Aviva is also introducingenhancements to their Identity Theft coverage at no additional cost to existing customers. This offers customers even more peace of mind as they tap, swipe and click their way through life. As one of the most comprehensive on the market, it features widespread financial protection if the customer\u2019s identity is compromised, including:
\u2022 An increased limit of $40,000\/policy term for all identity theft expense claims
\u2022 A $5,000\/policy term limit to cover any financial loss due to identity theft
\u2022 24\/7 credit bureau monitoring and two credit bureau reports for six months after an identity
theft claim
\u2022 Access to your own identity theft case worker to help you identify and restore your finances and
personal information after an identity theft claim
What is identify theft?<\/strong>
Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information without your knowledge or consent\u2014 like your credit card, Social Insurance Number or your name\u2014to commit a crime, such as fraud or theft. Some common identity theft scams include creating false lines of credit and making purchases using a stolen bank account or credit card.
According to the Ontario Securities Commission, your identity is at risk when:
\u2022 You enter your credit card information online on a non-secure website,
\u2022 You click on an email link from what looks like a legitimate bank or online shopping service (e.g. PayPal) and enter your account information,
\u2022 Your personal information (Social Insurance Card, credit card or bank card) are stolen,
\u2022 You give out your credit card\u2019s three-digit security code over the phone to a scammer who claims to be from your financial institution, or
\u2022 Anytime your personal information is available to others
For more information about Aviva\u2019s enhanced identity theft coverage, and to watch a video on tips to avoid identity theft, visit: https:\/\/www.avivacanada.com\/october-cyber-security-awareness-month<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n