Identity Theft is Real!

As some of you know, when I give presentations or speak to individuals about what they can do to protect their information, dovetail organizer is one of the solutions.
Well last week, I got a call from my bank of choice, and they indicated my visa card had been compromised and put on hold until they had an opportunity to speak with me. The bank had determined that there was some suspicious activity on my card. So they suspended it.
You can imagine my surprise. I am very careful with my card, who I give it to, what sites I use for on-line purchases, and closely monitor my visa statements for activity.
What this has made me realize is how easily we can be targeted as victims. Someone somewhere had accessed my visa number without my consent. It is an unsettling feeling.
I am extremely grateful to RBC and the monitoring they do which is totally under the radar. I had no idea the bank did this as a service to us as their clients.
When I spoke to the bank representative, I needed to verify which of the recent transactions on my card were mine and which ones were suspicious. The bank removed the suspicious items from my statement.
What I learned from this, is how dead easy this type of theft can happen. I also learnt the importance of checking your statements with a fine tooth comb to ensure the transactions on your statement are all yours. If not, report it right away. Also to question each and every time you use your card: is this site safe; is there a lock symbol on the site to ensure security; who are you releasing your card number to when involved in any transaction, is it by phone or in person; and never let the card out of your site.
My advice, be vigilant, be aware and always trust your gut.