|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crime Files - Identity Theft
|
> Crime Files > Identity Theft
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Identity theft has been called "the crime of the 21st century." It claims millions of victims across North America each year. Total losses from this crime are in the billions. Identity theft is an enormous violation of an individual’s privacy and the impact on victims can be devastating. The emotional impact is similar to that of victims of violent crimes.
Under the section 403 of the Criminal Code of Canada,
|
|
Every one who fraudulently impersonates any person, living or dead, (a) with intent to gain advantage for himself or another person, (b) with intent to obtain any property or an interest in any property, or (c) with intent to cause disadvantage to the person whom he personates or another person, is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years or an offence punishable on summary conviction. |
|
How big is the problem?
 It is difficult to pinpoint the number of victims, because not everyone reports the crime, and those who do often contact different organizations. According to the findings of a 2003 Ipsos Reid survey nine per cent of Canadians – or 2.7 million people – have fallen victim to identity theft at some point in their lives.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|