Fraud Awareness

Protecting Yourself from Fraud

Fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes and can have a devastating impact on its victims.  Being knowledgeable about how frauds are committed will go a long way in protecting you from becoming a victim. 

• Protect your personal information - never give your personal information unless you know with whom you are dealing and how that information will be used. Never reply to unsolicited emails or phone calls seeking personal details, banking information, or credit card information. Minimize personal information contained on social media sites and limit access to who can view your information.
• Monitor your bank and credit card activity and report any discrepancies immediately to your financial institution or credit card issuer.
• Review your credit history through Equifax and Trans Union Credit. Dispute any unauthorized entries with the credit bureau and file a police report if you are the victim of identity theft.
• Internet scams are numerous and often cross international borders. Use caution when dealing with persons you do not know especially if asked to cash a cheque and wire or e-transfer funds to another person. Even certified cheques can be forged.
• Use complex passwords on your computers and electronic devices.
• Utilize and maintain current antivirus software.
• Be cautious of links contained in emails.
• Never give anyone access to your computer based on an unsolicited phone call or email.
• There is a lot of truth to the old adage 'if it sounds to go to be true, it is probably a scam'
• Take the time to seek out advice or do research before committing or sending funds. Don't let anyone rush you into making a decision.
• Consider adding your phone number to the National Do Not Call List www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca/index-eng

• Consider sharing this information with everyone you know to get the message out.

Talk to friends, family, the elderly, neighbours, and members of the vulnerable sectors of the community who may not be connected to social media or may have missed previous warnings in the news.