Identity Theft in Alberta
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Identity theft is a criminal offence under Canada's Criminal Code, punishable by up to 5 years in prison. If someone steals your personal information and uses it without your consent, you have the right to take action.
Key steps to protect yourself:
- Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501.
- Place a fraud alert with Equifax (1-800-465-7166) and TransUnion (1-800-663-9980).
- Credit freezes are currently only available in Quebec. Ontario is adding them in July 2026.
- Report to local police — you'll need a police report for many dispute processes.
When does it apply?
- Anyone whose personal information is stolen and used without consent.
- This includes fraudulent credit applications, bank accounts, government benefits claims, and tax fraud.
What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen in Canada
- Contact the CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 to report the fraud.
- Call Equifax and TransUnion to place fraud alerts on your credit files.
- Report to local police and get a copy of the police report.
- Contact your bank and credit card companies to flag your accounts.
- Change all your passwords — especially email, banking, and government accounts.
- Check your CRA My Account for any fraudulent tax activity.
- Review your credit reports for any accounts you don't recognize.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't delay reporting — the longer you wait, the more damage the thief can do.
- Don't pay debts you didn't create — dispute them with the creditor and the credit bureaus.
- Don't throw away evidence of the fraud — keep all letters, statements, and records.
- Don't assume it will resolve itself — identity theft requires active steps to fix.
- Don't ignore suspicious CRA correspondence — it could be a sign someone filed taxes in your name.
How Alberta differs from federal law
Identity theft is a criminal offence under the federal Criminal Code and is also addressed by Alberta's privacy legislation. Victims in Alberta have both criminal and civil remedies available.
- Identity theft (obtaining and possessing identity information with intent to commit an indictable offence) and identity fraud (using someone else's identity information) are offences under sections 402.2 and 403 of the Criminal Code.
- Alberta's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), SA 2003, c. P-6.5, requires private-sector organizations in Alberta to protect your personal information and notify you of data breaches that create a real risk of significant harm.
- You can place a fraud alert on your credit file with Equifax (1-800-465-7166) and TransUnion (1-800-663-9980) to prevent unauthorized credit applications.
- Victims of identity theft can request that incorrect information be removed from their credit reports and can dispute unauthorized accounts.
- Service Alberta can assist with identity theft complaints and can help you navigate the process of restoring your identity.
Additional Steps in Alberta
Report identity theft immediately to your local police (or RCMP if in a rural area) and obtain a police report number. Place fraud alerts with Equifax and TransUnion. Contact all financial institutions where fraudulent accounts were opened. Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. File a complaint with the Alberta Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner at 780-422-6860 if a business failed to protect your information. Contact Service Alberta at 1-877-427-4088 for help with replacing Alberta-issued identity documents.
Relevant Law: Criminal Code, RSC 1985, c. C-46, ss. 402.2, 403 (Identity Theft and Fraud); Personal Information Protection Act, SA 2003, c. P-6.5
Common Questions
When does identity theft apply?
Anyone whose personal information is stolen and used without consent.This includes fraudulent credit applications, bank accounts, government benefits claims, and tax fraud.
What should I do if someone stole my identity in Canada?
Contact the CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 to report the fraud.Call Equifax and TransUnion to place fraud alerts on your credit files.Report to local police and get a copy of the police report.Contact your bank and credit card companies to flag your accounts.Change all your passwords — especially email, banking, and government accounts.Check your CRA My Account for any fraudulent tax activity.Review your credit reports for any accounts you don't recognize.
What mistakes should I avoid with identity theft?
Don't delay reporting — the longer you wait, the more damage the thief can do.Don't pay debts you didn't create — dispute them with the creditor and the credit bureaus.Don't throw away evidence of the fraud — keep all letters, statements, and records.Don't assume it will resolve itself — identity theft requires active steps to fix.Don't ignore suspicious CRA correspondence — it could be a sign someone filed taxes in your name.
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