Watch the video above: Fraud prevention month
SASKATOON – This month is fraud prevention month and it marks the 10th year of the campaign educating Canadians to recognize it, report it, and stop it.
Unfortunately it continues to be the same old story; a number of carbon copy scams are still financially hitting people where it hurts.
“The anti-virus scam with Microsoft; the cheque over payment, that secret shopper scam that’s out there; the emergency scams like the grandson scam,” said Det. S/Sgt. Keith Briant, with the Saskatoon Police Service economic crimes.
Solving these types of cases aren’t easy.
“There’s so many of them and they will morph, if they aren’t getting successful anymore they will change a few things so now we can start catching a few more again,” said Briant.
The Competition Bureau has compiled a list of the top 10 scams over the last decade for Fraud Prevention Month; some include advertising, love and financial.
The one thing all scams and frauds have in common, is pressure, forcing people to act quickly.
Experts say there are signs to watch for.
“I just think if people would take a step back and say listen I can’t respond here right now maybe give me your number and I’ll call you back, that would be the end of the scam,” said Briant.
According to Briant, people are getting the message, fraud is down 7 per cent over the five-year average.
If you are or think you’re a victim of a fraud, you’re encouraged to contact police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
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