Police are sharing tips on how to protect yourself from different fraud scams both in the community and online.
Fraud prevention experts point to a rise in the number of Facebook Marketplace scams, especially where the seller sends a link to the buyer to pay for the item via e-transfer.
All that is required is an email address. Never send personal information and banking details as the scammer will drain your bank account. Above all, don’t pay for something until you have seen the item and are able to pick it up.
Follow the three R’s when it comes to possible issues of fraud.
- Recognize – A lot of victims want to check off multiple boxes before they conclude that it’s a fraud. If anything you’re receiving is unsolicited – for sure online, assume that it is a fraud until you prove otherwise. But it’s not necessary to check off all the boxes. If one box gets checked that makes it sound like it’s a scam, then assume it is a scam.
- Reject -Simply hang up. It’s okay to say no, you’re not missing out on anything. That information will eventually get back to you in the proper channels.
- Report it – If you’ve suffered a loss, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
In 2024 there was $638 million in losses reported across Canada, only accounting for roughly five per cent of the losses in the country. because these are the only ones that get reported.
With files from Kass Patterson – Vista Radio
