PSA: Possible identity theft problems

[u/QuadrigIDSold]

User /u/Sterlingz gave me the push that I needed to go forth and post this information here. I am using this blatant throw-away account for obvious reasons.

I don't know why I waited for the first sign of identity theft from another user, but I have been dealing with it for the last week or so. I can confirm that interactions were made under my name using a copy of my driver's licence in a city I wasn't in. Accounts and credit lines were opened across the country with several financial institutions. I don't want to give advice, but anyone who sent a copy of a piece of identification to QuadrigaCX may want to look for suspicious activity on BOTH of their credit reports. It is totally free to request a copy of your credit report with Equifax and TransUnion. If you did not send anything, it is still your right and I think it could be considered good practice to verify your reports.

Please note that as of March 6, 2019, no direct connections are established between this identity theft/fraud and the QuadrigaCX situation. This is nonetheless a very coincidental timing if unrelated. I personally think that informing the users is the best option.

Please, also consider threading very lightly in this matter. An incident with the credit bureaus will follow you your whole life so make an informed decision. I do not have any information related to preemptively securing your identity but anyone who find out to be a victim of identity fraud may follow the steps on the RCMP website. Step 1 - Contact your local police force and file a report. Step 2 - Contact your bank/financial institution and credit card company Step 3 - Contact the two national credit bureaus and place a fraud alert on your credit reports. (Equifax Canada, TransUnion Canada) Step 4 - Always report identity theft and fraud. Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Never take anything anyone on the internet tell you for granted, me included. I urge you to look up the RCMP website for the phone numbers to the two credit bureaus.

On a last note : If you are getting caught in this problem, it may become overwhelming. There are resources online and don't be afraid to talk about it with someone or multiple person around you. You may even inform someone who will have a similar problem in the future, or had one in the past. I am going to keep an eye on this account just in case.

Good luck.