Identity Theft in Manitoba
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 Manitoba differs from federal law
Identity theft is a criminal offence under the federal Criminal Code and Manitoba has additional provincial measures to help victims.
- Under sections 402.2 and 403 of the Criminal Code, it is a crime to obtain, possess, or traffic in identity information for the purpose of committing fraud or other offences.
- Manitoba's Personal Investigations Act, CCSM c. P34, regulates credit reporting agencies and gives you the right to access your credit report and dispute inaccurate information.
- You have the right to place a fraud alert on your credit file with Equifax and TransUnion (Canada's two national credit bureaus) if you suspect identity theft.
- Manitoba's Consumer Protection Office can assist identity theft victims with disputes against businesses and creditors.
- Under The Personal Health Information Act, CCSM c. P33.5, health-related identity theft (someone using your Manitoba Health card) is addressed separately, and you can report it to Manitoba Health.
Additional Steps in Manitoba
If you are a victim of identity theft: (1) Report to police — file a report with your local police service. (2) Contact Equifax (1-800-465-7166) and TransUnion (1-800-663-9980) to place fraud alerts and review your credit reports. (3) Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. (4) Contact the Manitoba Consumer Protection Office at 204-945-3800 for further assistance. Keep detailed records of all steps taken.
Relevant Law: Criminal Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46, ss. 402.2, 403; The Personal Investigations Act, CCSM c. P34; The Personal Health Information Act, CCSM c. P33.5
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.
Identity Theft in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.