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The author of this blog, David T.S. Fraser, is a Canadian privacy lawyer who practices with the firm of McInnes Cooper. He is the author of the Physicians' Privacy Manual. He has a national and international practice advising corporations and individuals on matters related to Canadian privacy laws.

For full contact information and a brief bio, please see David's profile.

Please note that I am only able to provide legal advice to clients. I am not able to provide free legal advice. Any unsolicited information sent to David Fraser cannot be considered to be solicitor-client privileged.

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The views expressed herein are solely the author's and should not be attributed to his employer or clients. Any postings on legal issues are provided as a public service, and do not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained herein or linked to. Nothing herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent counsel.

This web site is presented for informational purposes only. These materials do not constitute legal advice and do not create a solicitor-client relationship between you and David T.S. Fraser. If you are seeking specific advice related to Canadian privacy law or PIPEDA, contact the author, David T.S. Fraser.

Friday, July 29, 2005

Survey: ID theft takes time to wipe clean

A nationwide survey of 1,097 ID theft victims in the US shows that it takes quite some time and effort for victims to clear their names. One third of the victims blame the internet for disclosing their information. Other info:

USATODAY.com - Survey: ID theft takes time to wipe clean
"...The typical ID-theft victim is in his or her 40s, white, married, college-educated and with annual income of $50,000 to $75,000, the Nationwide survey says.
Someone such as Scott Cummins, 45, who works at an insurance company in Ohio. He did not take part in Nationwide's survey, but his case is indicative of what happens to many ID-theft victims.
In early 2003, a crook who swiped Cummins' name and Social Security number opened two credit card accounts under the name C. Scott Cummins.
More than $4,000 was charged to the cards. Cummins discovered the fraud when a collection-agency rep called him, demanding payment, in October. Cummins requested a credit report, contacted the card issuer and, 45 days later, the mess was cleaned up, he says. "The biggest hassle I've ever been a part of in my life." Cummins isn't taking any chances. "I'm on my second shredder," he says."

Labels: information breaches