Safeguard your information to help prevent financial harm

Coquitlam

2024-03-28 11:55 PDT

File # Public Service Announcement

As part of Fraud Prevention Month, Coquitlam RCMP are sharing tips in an effort to raise fraud awareness. March is Fraud Prevention Month which seeks to help the public recognize, reject and report fraud. This year’s theme is 20 years of fighting fraud: From then to now, to help the public recognize how fraud has evolved over the years.

To learn more, visit: Government of Canada – Fraud Prevention Month 2024

Scammers target both consumers and businesses. The best way to avoid becoming a victim is to be informed and alert. Frauds should be reported to your local police agency and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

To learn more, visit: BC RCMP – Frauds and scams

Coquitlam RCMP responds to over 600 reports of fraud every year. In 2023, Coquitlam RCMP investigated 882 fraud reports, which is an increase from 2022 with 757, 736 reports in 2021 and 692 in 2020. This year, there were 144 reports from January 1 to February 29, 2024, compared to 136 in 2023 during the same time period.

The prevalence of frauds and scams continues to increase, not just within our communities but everywhere, said Media Relations Officer, Corporal Alexa Hodgins. In some of these cases, people are losing significant sums of money. Staying informed about common scam tactics and educating others is a good way to protect yourself and your loved ones from financial harm.

There are many different types of frauds and scams, such as online fraud, fraudulent calls, ‘gifting’ pyramids, email phishing or bitcoin / gift card scams. To stay informed, visit: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre – Scams by medium.

Fraud prevention tips:

• Be cautious with sharing personal information and avoid sharing sensitive information over the phone or e-mail.
• If you receive communication from someone claiming to be from an agency, independently verify their authenticity by contacting the agency directly using the information listed on their official website
• Keep up-to-date on common scams and frauds
• Never rush into a decision because someone is pressuring you
• Report suspicious activity when it occurs

Released by:

Email: coquitlam_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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