>Safe smartphone disposal

Some estimates say Canadian consumers will upgrade their mobile phone or smartphone as often as every 18 months. Just think of how many phones are being thrown out, recycled, given away, donated or resold every day!

While getting a new, fancier device is always fun, it is important to take care when you dispose of the old one. Remember that you have used your smartphone for contacting friends and relatives, surfing, texting, accessing Facebook, email and other accounts. You might even have used it for banking and shopping.

It is critical that all personal information is wiped from your phone before you dispose of it:

Wipe it clean. Every model of mobile phone will have different instructions for deleting the data on it. Read the user's manual for instructions; if you no longer have the manual, you will likely be able to find it online or by contacting your mobile service provider.

Delete the contacts in your phone book. Erase text messages, voice mails, saved photos, and web search history. Clear out your call and text history for communications sent and received.

If your phone has a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, remove it. Again, if you need assistance, contact your wireless provider.

Don't take shortcuts, whatever you do. Old cellphones and other electronics can be a goldmine for fraudsters; make sure yours is completely void of information.

Once your phone is clean, do not throw it in the trash! You should recycle the phone – most phone providers will accept old phones at their retail stores; otherwise, you could mail it back to the manufacturer or donate it to a school or charity. If your phone is fairly recent and you'd like to make a few extra dollars, you could resell it.

All mobile phone users should stay extra alert. Viruses and hijackers are far too prevalent these days! Carefully check your credit report, bank and credit card statements regularly for any signs of unusual activity.

Sign up for proactive identity monitoring and keep your information up to date – this service will help alert you if any of your card of identity information falls into the wrong hands.

And remember – a Protection Power membership also offers identity theft insurance, just in case!

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