May 2022

Consumer Edge

Office of Consumer Affairs

May 2022

In this edition of Consumer Edge, find tips on how to keep your passwords strong, learn about the new Canadian electronic bank alerts, and read Union des consommateurs' report on online privacy.

May 5 is World Password Day

Your passwords are meant to protect the things that are most important to you, like your data, your money, your privacy and your identity. Get Cyber Safe offers tips to help you ensure your sensitive information stays protected. For example, you may consider using a 'passphrase' instead of a password to make it more difficult for others to guess. You can also follow the 'one account, one password' rule and set-up a multi-factor authentication for an added layer of protection!

Join the conversation on social media and share your tips on password protection on May 5, using the #WorldPasswordDay hashtag.

NEW: Electronic alerts from your bank

Starting this summer, you may receive electronic alerts from your bank when your account balance goes below a certain amount or when you approach the credit limit on a card or line of credit. This new feature is designed to help you manage your day-to-day finances and avoid unnecessary fees, as part of Canada's Financial Consumer Protection Framework.

The alerts will be sent via push notification, text message or email using the contact information your bank has on file for you. It is important to note that Canadian banking institutions will not ask for personal information, login credentials or account information via email or text message. If you receive an email or text message requesting this kind of information, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Please consult the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada's web page for further details on this initiative.

Union des consommateurs: "Online privacy: Consumers as Agents"

In March, the consumer advocacy organization Union des consommateurs (UC) published a report about their research project titled "Online privacy: Consumers as Agents".

The study was funded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's Contributions Program for Non-Profit Consumer and Voluntary Organizations. It offers a Canadian perspective on exercising the right to privacy in a digital society. Read the full report to learn more about how online privacy issues are affecting Canadian consumers and how UC believes personal online information can be better protected.

Find more consumer-related information from the Government of Canada on the News for Consumers page.