I've received a pile of e-mail on the CIBC privacy breach, most of it from CIBC customers. Here's my answers to the Frequently Asked Questions in those messages:
Is there a class action suit being launched?
I don't know. If you have a lawyer or know of one, ask him or her.
How do I find out if my information was faxed incorrectly?
So far as I know, the bank has no list of customers who had their confidential customer data sent out of the country. Wade Peer and his lawyer do not have a list, either. Mr. Peer does have a file folder full of documents that contains confidential CIBC customer data but neither he nor his lawyer would show me the contents when I asked.
The only documents Mr. Peer received, though, were for one specific kind of transaction and he has only been receiving CIBC documents since July, 2001. The transaction forms are for a transfer of funds into a CIBC RSP or a CIBC RIF. (They are not for automatic contributions to RSPs but for unique, one-time transfers).
How would this affect me if my personal information is listed on these faxes?
It may not affect you at all for the simple reason that the information appears, by lucky chance, to have fallen into the hands of a responsible individual, Mr. Peer, who either shredded the documents he received or placed them in a locked filing cabinet in his office.
What actions should I take as a client of CIBC's?
I can't help you with that one. You should consult with your CIBC branch manager and other advisors, such as your lawyer.
Is anyone doing anything about this?
Yes. Canada's Privacy Commissioner opened an investigation Friday and, as of Sunday night, had a message at her Web site for CIBC customers.