Civil Matters
- Civil matters are legal disputes between individuals or businesses and includes disputes over contracts, property, injury, damages, and other matters not involving a criminal offence.
- Please visit albertacourts.ca for more information on civil matters
Fraud
District office attendance required
- Check fraud
- Illegal transfer of funds
- Identity fraud
- Forgery
- Price tag switching
Frequently Asked Questions
Credit Card Fraud / Debit Card Fraud
Immediate Steps
Q: What should I do immediately?
A: Contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to cancel the card, report fraudulent transactions, and request a replacement card.
Q: Should I contact my bank's fraud department?
A: Yes. Your financial institution can review suspicious transactions, begin chargeback procedures where applicable, and help secure your accounts.
Q: Why should I contact Equifax and TransUnion?
A: Cancelling a card only protects that specific account. If your personal information has been compromised, criminals may attempt to open new accounts or obtain credit in your name. Contacting Equifax and TransUnion allows you to place fraud alerts on your credit reports, helping lenders verify your identity before extending credit. [equifax.ca], [stepstojustice.ca]
Q: Should I contact both credit bureaus?
A: Yes. Equifax and TransUnion maintain separate credit files. A fraud alert placed with one bureau does not automatically appear on the other bureau's records. [equifax.ca], [stepstojustice.ca]
Q: How do I contact Equifax Canada?
A: To report identity theft, lost identification, or place a fraud alert:
Equifax Canada
- Phone: 1-800-465-7166
- Identity Theft / Fraud Assistance available through their fraud reporting options. [equifax.ca], [equifax.ca]
Q: How do I contact TransUnion Canada?
A: To place a fraud alert, address identity theft concerns, or obtain your credit report:
TransUnion Canada
- Phone: 1-800-663-9980 [transunion.ca], [transunion.ca]
Q: Should I review my credit reports?
A: Yes. Review both Equifax and TransUnion reports for accounts, credit inquiries, or loans you do not recognize and report them immediately. [transunion.ca], [stepstojustice.ca]
Fraud / Identity Theft
Immediate Steps
Q: What should I do if I believe someone is using my personal information?
A: Contact affected financial institutions immediately, change important passwords, monitor accounts closely, and contact both Equifax and TransUnion to place fraud alerts on your credit files. [equifax.ca], [stepstojustice.ca]
Q: Why is it important to contact the credit bureaus?
A: Fraudsters often use stolen information to obtain new credit products rather than access existing accounts. A fraud alert warns potential lenders that additional identity verification may be appropriate before credit is approved. [equifax.ca], [stepstojustice.ca]
Q: What records should I keep?
A: Retain copies of correspondence with banks, credit card issuers, credit bureaus, merchants, and any other organizations involved in your fraud investigation.
Q: Should I monitor my credit after the incident?
A: Yes. Continue reviewing your credit reports for suspicious activity and follow up on any unfamiliar accounts or inquiries. [transunion.ca], [stepstojustice.ca]
General Questions (Applicable to All Online Reports)
Q: When will I hear from police?
A: Not all reports require investigator contact. Reports are reviewed and assessed based on investigative opportunities, evidence, and public safety considerations.
Q: What is my file number used for?
A: Your file number can be used for insurance claims, banking investigations, credit bureau notifications, property replacement processes, and future communication with CPS.
Q: Can I add information after submitting a report?
A: Yes. Reference your file number whenever providing additional information.
Q: How can I improve the chances of my property being identified?
A: Provide serial numbers, unique identifiers, photographs, receipts, registration information, and proof of ownership whenever possible.