Consider how to protect your privacy & personal information while shopping this season

Tue, Nov 24, 2020

WHITEHORSE – 2020 has been an extraordinary year in many ways, but what has not changed is the need to safeguard your personal information and privacy while shopping, both virtually and in person. To help citizens be aware of the privacy risks and how to reduce them, the Yukon Information and Privacy Commissioner Diane McLeod-McKay is once again issuing a holiday shopping tips sheet.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has taken many individuals online to shop, as well as to hold work meetings and to gather socially,” said McLeod-McKay. “Online options are helping us cope with our changed circumstances, but it is important to stay informed of the privacy risks and take steps to ensure your personal information is protected. As well, most citizens are still shopping in person for at least some items, which also poses risks of identity theft and fraud.”

To help Yukoners lessen the risks by educating themselves about how to protect their personal information, McLeod-McKay has compiled a list of ideas and tips.

“It is interesting to note that some new risks are directly linked to the COVID-19 pandemic,” added McLeod-McKay. “For example, some fraudsters pose as COVID-19 charities and ask for money, hoping to take advantage of the good intentions of individuals who want to help by making donations. There are also shipping notification scams, which try to steal personal information or defraud people who cannot travel and are mailing items instead.”

See Privacy Tips for Holiday Shoppers 2020 here.

The Ombudsman, Information and Privacy Commissioner, and Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner is an independent officer of the Yukon Legislative Assembly. For more information, please go to www.yukonombudsman.ca.

To download a PDF of this news release, please click here.

Contact:

Elaine Schiman
Communications Manager
Office of the Yukon Ombudsman, Information and Privacy Commissioner & Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner
elaine.schiman@yukonombudsman.ca
867-332-4555
867-334-2975
www.yukonombudsman.ca

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