March is fraud prevention month. RCMP constable Sean O'Keefe says fraud's becoming more common around Portage la Prairie.

"It's a growing trend for us here, unfortunately in Portage la Prairie," explains O'Keefe. "Just here in the first two months of the year, we've had 17 reported incidents of fraud. And, of course, it's a very under-reported crime. Once they're victimized, people often feel embarrassed by what's happened."

He notes if you're a victim of fraud, you can rest assured the RCMP wants to help. 

O'Keefe adds it can be difficult to identify fraudsters since they use methods online and through anonymous phone calls. He explains a common fraud in Portage has been alleged Canada Revenue Agency calls informing you you're under investigation and are subject to fines. You are told you can avoid further investigation by paying those fines before a certain deadline. O'Keefe says you should always seek validation for this and any correspondence.

He continues, "Victims are often asked to supply payment through alternative means other than cash, meaning a wire transfer or purchasing online subscriptions for things, and passing along the identification codes to the suspects."

The best way to avoid being a victim is to realize if something's too good to be true, it often is. There's no such thing as free money. Even the lottery requires you to purchase a ticket. If someone comes to you from out of the blue with free money, and you're requested to simply do something for them, O'Keefe notes it likely won't turn out well in your favour.

He stresses he understands it can be quite embarrassing if you're victimized, but he encourages you to come forward.