Fraud Prevention Month Kickoff

As part of Fraud Prevention Month, the Calgary Police Service has partnered with the Alberta Motor Association, Bank of Canada, Better Business Bureau, the RCMP and Service Alberta to help consumers target-harden themselves.

March is Fraud Prevention Month around the world. Knowledge and awareness are the best tools for fighting fraud. Education is the key to prevention, and March is full of events meant to educate Albertans on how to protect themselves.

The partners involved in this event will have booths set up in the center court area of Chinook Centre during mall hours on Friday, March 1, 2013. Card skimming equipment will be on display and all partners will be available to speak with the public and answer any fraud-related questions they may have.

Law enforcement now estimates fraud crimes to be as profitable as drug-related offences – between $10 and $30 billion a year. The vast majority of these crimes, roughly 80 per cent, are committed by organized crime groups.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports up to Nov. 21, 2012, more than $3-million worth of mass market fraud occurred against 277 victims, and nearly 180 people reported their identity stolen and used in an offence, resulting in more than $283,000 worth of losses. However, fraud still remains vastly under reported.

If you suspect you have been a victim of identity theft or fraud, contact your local police or the Canadian Anti-fraud Call Centre toll-free from anywhere in North America, at 1-888-495-8501, or visit www.antifraudcentre.ca.

Details of a media availability will be sent in a media advisory.