Cyber Security Awareness Month:

October 2, 2017 (Toronto, ON) – In 2016 alone, Canadians lost $40 million due to online scams. Millennials and Generation Z in particular have become natural targets because of their strong presence on social media. Online security breaches and identity theft are on the rise, which is why Aviva Canada is stepping up to help educate people on how to protect themselves and their families.

Watch this eye-opening and interactive video to learn tips on how to avoid various theft tactics such as online scams and “skimming” – when thieves install a fake credit card reader to steal numbers and record PINs with small cameras.

“October is Cyber Security Awareness month and it’s more important than ever for Canadians to be vigilant with their personal information. From January 2014 to December 2016 alone, Canadians lost more than $290 million to identity theft fraud and online scams,” said Phil Gibson, Chief Underwriting Officer, Aviva Canada. “We want to empower people to protect themselves online and in daily interactions where they might be vulnerable.”

Aviva’s Identity Theft coverage is now even better

In the effort to better protect customers in case of identity theft, Aviva is also introducing enhancements to their Identity Theft coverage at no additional cost to existing customers. This offers customers even more peace of mind as they tap, swipe and click their way through life. As one of the most comprehensive on the market, it features widespread financial protection if the customer’s identity is compromised, including:

• An increased limit of $40,000/policy term for all identity theft expense claims
• A $5,000/policy term limit to cover any financial loss due to identity theft
• 24/7 credit bureau monitoring and two credit bureau reports for six months after an identity theft claim
• Access to your own identity theft case worker to help you identify and restore your finances and personal information after an identity theft claim

What is identify theft?

Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information without your knowledge or consent—like your credit card, Social Insurance Number or your name—to commit a crime, such as fraud or theft. Some common identity theft scams include creating false lines of credit and making purchases using a stolen bank account or credit card.

According to the Ontario Securities Commission, your identity is at risk when:

• You enter your credit card information online on a non-secure website,
• You click on an email link from what looks like a legitimate bank or online shopping service (e.g. PayPal) and enter your account information,
• Your personal information (Social Insurance Card, credit card or bank card) are stolen,
• You give out your credit card’s three-digit security code over the phone to a scammer who claims to be from your financial institution, or
• Anytime your personal information is available to others

Learn tips on how to avoid identity theft by watching this video. For more information about Aviva’s enhanced identity theft coverage, visit: https://www.avivacanada.com/personal-insurance/identitytheft

About Aviva Canada:

Aviva Canada Inc. is one of the leading property and casualty insurance groups in the country providing home, automobile, leisure/lifestyle and business insurance to 2.9 million customers. A wholly-owned subsidiary of UK-based Aviva plc, the company has more than 4,000 employees focused on creating a bright and sustainable future for their customers and communities.

Aviva Canada invests in positive change through the Aviva Community Fund, Canada’s longest running online community funding competition. Since its inception in 2009, the Aviva Community Fund has awarded $7.5 million to over 250 charities and community groups nationwide. Aviva Canada, bringing over 300 years of good thinking and insurance solutions to Canadians from coast-to-coast.

For more information visit avivacanada.com, Aviva Canada’s blog, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn pages. 

Media Contacts:

Priscilla Wong
Public Relations Specialist
Aviva Canada Inc.
Mobile: 647 208 7523
Email: priscilla.y.wong@aviva.com