Avoid identity theft - CTV news Winnipeg & the Winnipeg Free Press

Great seeing you yesterday, Winnipeg!

Learn to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud - check out my segments yesterday from CTV here and at the Winnipeg Free Press here.

I joined Larry Berman yesterday for his Investor's Guide to Thriving Tour in Winnipeg last night to an enthusiastic crowd at the Victoria Inn Convention Centre.  You might be surprised that the Manitoba Securities Commission states that 1 in 3 Manitobans do not recognize investment fraud.  Join us across the country as we help educate Canadians better protect their money while Larry teaches how to grow your hard earned dollars with his Sleep At Night Strategy.  For more information, visit my website at www.kelleykeehn.com - check out the commercial on the main page and register at www.bermaneducation.com.  All the events are free, but registration is filling up fast.  Hope to see you there!

CJAD with Andrew Carter - should kids moving home pay rent?

Pew research has a new report out showing that even five years after the recession ended, more young adults are living with their parents than before the recession. This is despite the fact that unemployment among 20-somethings has dropped dramatically.

Joining Andrew Carter from CJAD radio Montreal this morning, we explore the touchy subject of adult kids moving home and should they be charged rent or allowed to bunk in the family home for free?

You can catch the recording at: https://soundcloud.com/andrew-carter-cjad-800/getting-the-perfect-shot-charging-your-kids-rent-october-6

Experian breach affects 15 million consumers – apparently those protecting our data are equally vulnerable

In an ironic kick-off to National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the folks that provide services for Americans to check their credit report, keep an eye on the bad guys trying to commit identity theft against them and provide the insurance if they're worried they will, has been hacked.

Experian North America is a credit bureau and consumer data broker.  They disclosed Thursday that a breach of its computer systems exposed approximately 15 million Social Security numbers and other data on people who applied for financing from wireless provider T-Mobile USA Inc.  Read more on the breach and what Americans can do to protect themselves from my favourite blogger, KrebsOnSecurity.

A note to Canadians

This particular breach is not a concern to Canadians and if you're following this story, there's a few facts for you to note relating to the differences between Canadian and American credit reporting agencies, ways to protect yourself and more.

• Canadians have Social Insurance Numbers and Americans have Social Security Numbers - essentially the same thing but a different name.  If you're reading an article that mentions a SSN, ignore it as it's relating to American specifics that might not relate to us as Canadians.
• There are only two main credit reporting agencies in Canada - Equifax and TransUnion.  Experian does exist in Canada, but they're a very small player.
• In Canada, we do not have the option of a credit freeze as they do in the U.S.  You can put a "pro-active credit alert" on your file which will cost you $5 for Equifax and TransUnion and they last six years each.  This alert asks the creditor to first call you (you'll want to add your cell phone number) before approving credit like a new cell phone, car loan, credit card and more.  However, it's only mandated in Ontario and Manitoba.  It's not a requirement - merely a suggestion - in the other provinces.

To learn more about how to keep your cyber life safe and protect your family's identity, join me at a city near you as I'm part of a cross Canada speaking tour. I’ll be speaking about this subject and how to create a S.A.F.E. Financial Life – learn how to protect you family from identity theft and fraud.  The events are free to the public but fill up fast.  Reserve your seat in your city by visiting: www.bermaneducation.com