Protect yourself from Fraud: popular fraudulent schemes and how to recognize them

    Route 65 Fraud Post

    In our increasingly connected world, scammers are becoming savvier than ever at targeting victims for their fraudulent schemes. As many fraudsters target seniors, Route 65 is committed to raising awareness about frauds and scams and would like to remind you to stay vigilant.

    The RCMP ‘E’ Division Federal Policing Prevention and Engagement actively monitors crime trends and works to promote targeted fraud prevention. Below, you will find tips from them about how to identify and respond to a scam:

    In Person

    Traditionally fraudsters have operated door-to-door, at parking lots, or at events to sell you stolen or inflated goods, services that don’t exist, or to get you to invest in fraudulent schemes.

    Recommendations: Do not allow fraudsters to pressure you or threaten you; remember the old adage “if it’s too good to be true” – do your research before committing to a contract or deciding to invest.

    By Mail

    Another traditional method that could reach more potential victims than the in-person approach are scams which occur by mail. Scammers have used this method in ransom or lottery frauds.

    Recommendations: Remember, you cannot win a lottery you did not enter; contact your local police if you receive a suspicious or threatening letter.

    By SMS Text Messages

    Fraudsters are using technology to reach more potential victims. SMS texts are sent to the cellphones of potential victims using automation. The messages appear to come from legitimate companies, financial institutions, or government agencies but direct victims to websites set up by fraudsters.

    Recommendations: Inspect these messages closely. Ignore, delete and mark the message as “Spam”. Be aware that the originating number can be falsified to come from legitimate source.

    By Email

    Fraudsters are sending emails to potential victims posing as legitimate companies or financial institutions. Their goals include adding malicious software to steal your information or using deceptive tactics to have you send funds to them.

    Recommendations: Avoid opening unsolicited emails or clicking on suspicious links. Hover over an email address or link and confirm that they are correct. Mark or move suspicious emails to your Junk folder before deleting it.

    By Phone

    Fraudsters use technology to automate mass calls to potential victims. The calls contain recorded messages posing as legitimate businesses, financial institutions, or government agencies. They may direct you to press a button to speak to a live agent who will attempt to convince you that you are in trouble and ultimately obtain your funds.

    Recommendations: Do not follow their instruction and hang up. Be aware that the caller’s number can be falsified. Do not provide personal information over the phone to an unknown caller. Police and other government agencies will not call to threaten you or demand payment in crypto assets or gift cards.

     

    The RCMP ‘E’ Division encourages you to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre if you are a victim of fraud. See below for popular frauds with recommendations on how to recognize, reject, and report them.

    How to prevent targeted fraud: 

    • Stay informed on fraud trends.
    • Never provide any personal information, such as your social insurance, credit card, or other account numbers, to an individual or organization that you are unfamiliar with.
    • If you are a victim of fraud, report the incident to your local police and the CAFC.
    • If you are not a victim, you can still report to CAFC. This helps law enforcement and the public of emerging trends.
    • Check the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) to learn more.

    Helpful Links: 

    Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) to learn more:

    https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

    BC RCMP:

    https://bc-cb.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=14&languageId=1&contentId=-1

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