This March, the Alberta RCMP will be sharing a variety of tips and resources in support of the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association's (ACCPA) Fraud Prevention Month campaign. The campaign, which will include a weekly theme, seeks to educate Albertans on the many ways that fraudulent activity negatively impacts their communities.
This week, ACCPA and other supporting agencies including the RCMP, are focusing on identity theft and fraud. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Identity theft and fraud;
- Phones scams;
- Email scams;
- Mail theft; and,
- Security of documents and/or shredding.
To better protect yourself from identity theft and fraud, consider the following:
- Always shred personal and financial documents prior to disposal;
- Check your mail regularly;
- Check your various accounts regularly for any unusual updates; and,
- Help raise awareness with friends and family by sharing any strange experiences.
"Identity fraud is one of the most common forms of fraud in Canada. Criminals will often steal a person's identity to commit other crimes such as fraudulently applying for loans or credit cards, opening bank accounts, transferring bank funds and more."
- Cpl. Sean Milne, Alberta RCMP Provincial Economic Crime Team
If you are unsure of whether or not you are being targeted by a scam, visit the Government of Canada's website to learn about common scam-types. If you have been the victim of fraud, report it to your local law enforcement and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at www.antifraudcentre.ca, or by calling: 1-888-495-8501. Be sure to contact your bank and credit card company if you believe your personal or financial information has been compromised.
For more fraud prevention information and resources, follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and Twitter @RCMPAlberta.