Thursday, March 21, 2024
Updated March 28, 2024
March is Fraud Prevention Month and although it's the end of March, scams never take a break. They’re happening all around us and it’s important to learn how we can identify scams. Here are some valuable tips to help tackle scammers and fraudsters.
Say "no" to pressure
Don't let pushy salespeople and callers scare you. If an agent or salesperson wants you to buy something or send money immediately, ask for it in writing or hang up the phone.
Watch out for red flags
- Urgent messages that make you feel emotional.
- Requests for personal information like your name, address, birth date, Social Insurance Number (SIN) or credit card details.
Do your homework
Before you give money or information, make sure you know who you're dealing with:
- Check if a charity is real – search the Canada Revenue Agency's database
- Confirm collection agencies’ authenticity – contact your provincial agency
- Find a company's real number – look online and call them directly to confirm the previous call
- Double-check with your credit card company – call the phone number on the back of your card
- Talk to family – if someone claims a relative is in trouble, verify with other family members
Protect yourself
- Don't be afraid to say no
- Ignore fake ads or emails and always research a company before getting in touch
- Never give out personal information over the phone unless you made the call
Don't let scammers take advantage of you. Share this information with your friends and family, especially those who may be more vulnerable. Together, we can make it harder for scammers to succeed.