Identity theft has become big business for criminals. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, fraud offences (including identity theft) now cost the country between $15-billion and $30-billion a year. Law enforcement officials also claim that more and more of this is the work of organized crime.

"Everybody recognizes that identity theft is a growing problem, but most people don''t have an alarm system in place to alert them," says Carol Gray, President of Equifax Canada. "Equifax Complete is like a silent alarm that gets triggered when identity thieves pose as you to take out loans, sign-up for credit cards, or purchase products in your name online."

"Equifax is committed to working with industry partners to help protect the personal data of Canadians. Together, we must recognize identity theft, report it, and stop it."

Equifax Complete subscribers may choose between the Equifax Complete™ Advantage Plan and Equifax Complete™ Premier Plan. Both include credit monitoring and identity protection essentials like credit scores, credit monitoring and identity theft insurance. The Premier Plan includes benefits like WebDetect™ scanning and Lost Wallet assistance. With WebDetect, subscribers are alerted if their personal identification data is found on suspicious trading sites being monitored on the Internet. With Lost Wallet assistance, subscribers have around-the-clock access to a team of identity theft specialists who can assist them with completing the necessary steps to restore the contents of their lost or stolen wallet, including cancelling and reissuing driver''s licenses, passports, and credit cards.

In addition to security measures, Equifax Complete provides subscribers with a look at their credit picture and the factors that impact their credit scores with access to Equifax Credit Scores and Equifax Credit Reports.

"Having your identity stolen can be a harrowing experience for people," explains Laurie Campbell, CEO of Credit Canada. "Any product or service that can offer consumers more peace of mind and a hassle-free way to help safeguard their identity is welcome."

Equifax Complete is part of Equifax''s suite of products designed to help consumers understand their credit and protect their identity and to play a part in maximizing their financial well-being.