Calgary, AB,
01
March
2016
|
07:53
America/Denver

March Proclaimed Fraud Prevention Month

Fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes across Canada. The Calgary Police Service estimates Calgarians lost as much as $75-million in 2015.

To combat this growing trend, police and government agencies, community groups, businesses and members of the financial industry across Alberta have joined the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association to raise awareness and inform members of the public about the most common frauds.

In support of this effort, Mayor Naheed Nenshi has proclaimed March 2016 as Fraud Prevention Month.

“The best way to prevent fraud is to stop it before it starts. When we are able recognize fraud, we are better equipped to protect ourselves from being victimized,” says Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

In 2015, the CPS received reports from at least 4,972 victims who have lost money over the last year.

“The most important job that Service Alberta has is protecting consumers. Fraud Prevention Month is an opportunity to arm Albertans with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions,” says Danielle Larivee, Acting Minister, Service Alberta.

Fraud Prevention Month in Alberta will highlight the following topics:

  • Week 1 – Financial Frauds. Examples include counterfeit money, mortgage scams, e-transfer scams, fraudulent credit cards and investment or Ponzi schemes.
  • Week 2 – Mass Marketing. Examples include telemarketing scams such as the Canada Revenue Agency or Immigration Canada scams and travel scams.
  • Week 3 – Cyber Fraud. Examples include phishing, romance scams, account takeover, Microsoft tech scams and online identity theft.
  • Week 4 – Service Scams. Examples include pre-paid contractor scams, debt reconciliation frauds and door to door salesman scams.
  • Week 5 – Importance of Reporting

Fraud Prevention Month partners will be at Cross Iron Mills mall on Saturday, March 12, 2016, to answer any fraud-related questions. Interactive displays, such as the BBB’s scam tracker, and the Electronic Recycling Association truck, will also be available. More information about this event will follow.

Partners in Fraud Prevention Month in Calgary include:

  • Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association
  • Calgary Police Service
  • Service Alberta
  • RCMP
  • Alberta Motor Association
  • Better Business Bureau
  • Bank of Canada
  • Crime Stoppers
  • INTERAC
  • Alberta Seniors
  • International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators
  • Alberta Securities Commission
  • WestJet
  • Insurance Bureau of Canada
  • Canada Revenue Agency
  • Real Estate Council of Alberta
  • Electronic Recycling Association