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Be aware of scams!

Writer's picture: T.W. BuckT.W. Buck

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports that from January 1, 2024, to October 31, 2024, there were 40,623 fraud reports filed by 28,634 victims, resulting in total losses of $503 million.


“Every year individuals and businesses are defrauded of millions of dollars,” said Constable Chad Neustaeter, Media Relations Officer for the Fort St John RCMP. “Statistics are believed to be much lower than actual numbers due to the grief and shame associated to the losses, hard working people suffer.”

 

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is an excellent resource for learning about various types of scams and discovering ways to safeguard yourself.

 

“The best thing you can do is to protect yourself by educating yourself as to the types of scams that are out there, what you can do to recognize them and to take precautionary steps to guard yourself,” said Constable Neustaeter.

 

You should safeguard your personal information by avoiding sharing sensitive details such as middle names, birthdates, Social Insurance Numbers, or credit card and banking information, particularly over the phone or via email.

 

Our readers are advised to be cautious of scam tactics where businesses or individuals use high-pressure strategies, like insisting you must act immediately, warning you not to miss a limited-time offer, or claiming the opportunity is too good to be true. Take your time, conduct thorough research, and seek a second opinion before making any decisions.

 

Be cautious of phone calls, text messages, and emails from unfamiliar numbers or contacts. A simple "No" strategy involves not answering calls from unknown numbers and avoiding opening emails from unfamiliar senders or addresses. If you do happen to open a suspicious message, refrain from clicking on any links or opening attachments, particularly if the message was unsolicited.

 

If you're ever unsure, take the time to consult with someone you trust, such as a family member or a close friend, to get a second opinion.

 

We want to remind our readers If you fall victim to a scam, it's important to speak up and not keep it to yourself. You should start by reporting the incident to the police and then report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Your report could help with ongoing investigations and provide valuable data on current fraud trends.

 

Share your experience with friends and family. Many people are unaware of the various scams that exist, and by telling your story, you can help protect them from falling victim to similar frauds.

 

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