More than half of Canadians (53 per cent) say they've been a victim of financial fraud at one time or another according to a recent Equifax survey. Several specific forms of fraud have been reported in the Portage area. March is Fraud Awareness Month and the Portage la Prairie RCMP detachment wants to help you with some tips to avoid becoming a victim.

Media liaison officer constable Larry Neufeld says fraud is categorized under several different groups.

"Some of the common frauds that are reported in the area are identity fraud, personal information fraud, merchandise fraud, service fraud, and emergency fraud, just to list a few," explains Neufeld. "Identity fraud is used to commit another type of crime with personal information. Criminals can gain access to your computer, bank accounts, apply for loans or credit cards, and even use your name to get passports."

He notes personal information fraud usually starts when the victim receives a call or an email from a business, bank, or government agency stating that they require your personal information immediately to prevent further risk to the victim.

"They will demand your address, name, date of birth, possible bank account information, and social insurance number," continues Neufeld. "Never provide this information over the phone, online or through unsolicited information requests."

Neufeld outlines the nature of merchandise fraud.

"The scammers create fake identities to establish accounts on various selling platforms," adds Neufeld. "They will advertise anything that can be sold or rented. This includes vehicles, animals, concert tickets, and homes for rent. They have people send the payment electronically and then they will remove the item for sale or rent, and the victim never receives the purchased item. This is becoming very common in our area and it's easy to create a fake account on the web."

He says it's always recommended that if you are purchasing something online, do not send payment until you see the product and can take possession of that property.

"Also, meet the people in a safe place for the exchange of those items," adds Neufeld. "I've had family members who have fallen victim to service fraud. Seniors are normally targeted in these crimes. The criminal will call, indicating that there is a problem with their computer, and the victim gives the caller access to the computer to fix the alleged problem. This then gives the access to bank accounts, possible passwords, and even more."

He says there are several other services that can also be used that are dependable.

"Never give access to your computer to someone," explains Neufeld. "Bring it to a local, reputable repair shop, if you suspect there is a problem with your computer."

Neufeld says that emergency fraud is another crime that usually targets the senior population.

"A caller will tell the victim that their family member has been in an accident or arrested," notes Neufeld. "They say that they are a friend of theirs and need the grandparents to send money immediately to help this family member. The criminal can obtain this information by searching open source profile accounts on the Internet. They can find out family members' names, places where they live, or if they are currently traveling, which helps them build the information they will require to scam the victim."

He says these are only a few types of fraud out there that they've had to deal with in our area.

"But some things to help keep yourself safe; do not provide your names or any personal information on unsolicited calls," stresses Neufeld. "They should already have your information if they are calling you. If they have to ask your name, you know that there's something wrong with that immediately. Beware of unsolicited emails, text messages, and phone calls asking you for personal information or banking information. If you did not initiate the call, you do not know who you're talking to, so it could be anybody anywhere in the world."

Neufeld also emphasizes that anyone requesting an upfront fee should always be suspect.

"In Canada, there are no fees or taxes on prizes if you won it in Canada," notes Neufeld. "Do not click on pop-up messages on your computer while browsing, and do not call the number they provide. No legitimate company will call you and say your computer is infected with a virus. Shred any personal and financial documents before putting them in the garbage. These are just a few things to help, but the best and easiest way is just to say no to whoever is calling. Do not be afraid to say no."

He adds you don't have to feel pressured into providing any personal banking computer information to someone calling or emailing.

"If you are unsure, talk to a family member before providing any information," adds Neufeld. "The RCMP, along with the Bank of Canada, is hosting two webinars on fraud this month. One is on March 24th, and one is on March 30th. If you feel that you have been a victim of fraud, you can call the police or contact the Canadian Fraud Centre."

UPCOMING WEBINARS ABOUT FRAUD 

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