Fraud Prevention Month 2024

Feb 29, 2024

Fraud Prevention Month is an annual federal campaign that seeks to help you recognize, reject and report fraud.

This year’s theme, "20 years of fighting fraud: From then to now" will help Canadians recognize how fraud has evolved over the years, from telemarketing and mail to social media and Artificial Intelligence.

Manipulation : #1 tactic

Scammers target everyone. It doesn’t matter how old you are, how much education you have, your income level, or any other aspect of your personal background. Fraudsters are very good at manipulating people to get what they want, such as getting you to reveal personal information or convincing you to give them money. They do this by using tactics that take advantage of normal human tendencies and feelings.

Beware of new schemes

Scammers will always come up with new ways to steal your money. But no matter the type of scam, there are some proven ways to make sure you don’t become a victim:

• Protect your identity at all times
• Never send money to anyone you don’t know or trust
• Ask for identification and be assertive
• Beware of text scams or spam email
• Beware of free downloads and requests for passwords
• Say NO

Reporting fraud is critical

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre estimates that less than 5% of the total number of fraud victims report their experiences to law enforcement agencies in Canada. By reporting a scam, you provide law enforcement with the information they need to stop fraudsters and help prevent others from becoming victims. The information you provide is important!

To learn more about the types of fraud occurring, please visit the Competition Bureau Canada page

(Source: Government of Canada – 2024)

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CONTACT: City of Edmundston Police Force, 506.739.2100