Every day in Prince George and other communities throughout the country, fraud-related crimes are reported to the police and they usually come with an all-too familiar lament - that the victims would never have believed it could happen to them.
"Fraud artists are very good at what they do, that is why they do it," Prince George RCMP Cpl. Craig Douglass said.
What's more, fraud is often a global crime as most computer and telephone related frauds originate from other parts around the world.
One of the best ways to protect yourself is to be familiar with the various scams fraud artists deploy.
Here is a look at some of the most popular scams affecting people throughout Canada including those in Prince George:
Emergency or "Grandparent" scam: This popular scam targets grandparents and involves wiring money to loved ones in urgent need of money.
The victim receives a phone call and upon answering, they hear "Hi grandma/grandpa, do you know who this is?"
The grandparent usually replies with a name and without even realizing it, they just provided the fraud artist with the name of a grandchild. From there, they ask for money to get them out of jail or to cover costs of a car accident or some other variation where they are out of town and need financial help.
Usually there is some sort of request not to tell anyone about the incident. Often the grandparent is so eager to help; they rush down to wire money without checking the story.
"The victims truly believe they were talking to the family member," Douglass said. "Some variations involve a lawyer calling on behalf of the grandchild."
The Prize Pitch: Consumers receive a call and are told they won a prize or two and usually include cash or a vehicle.
The "winner" must purchase a product or pay the tax in advance to receive their prize. Variations include calls from "customs" representatives wanting you pay the duty on the "prize" as well as a request for a credit card number so that the money can be deposited into your account;
Anti-Virus Scams: A fraudster will call or e-mail identifying themselves as representatives from software companies stating that your computer is slow or has a virus. Often they request remote access to your computer over the internet.
By allowing them access, you open yourself (and your computer) to data theft.
'Keylogger' or virus programs can be installed and can provide the criminals with sensitive information including user IDs and passwords.
Another variation involves cyber-crime investigators stating that your computer has been used to "hack" websites.
Phishing E-mails: Victims receive an e-mail appearing to be from a legitimate business, often claiming to be a bank or financial institution.
The e-mail states that your personal information or account has been compromised and requests you click on a provided internet link. The link leads to a web page where you are requested to enter personal or financial information.
Rental Property Scam: Victims have advertised a rental property on a classified ad website. A fraudster from out of town contacts the property owner and rents the property.
A cheque is sent in excess of the amount required for rent and deposit. The victim wires the remaining money back to the fraud artist.
When the cheque doesn't clear, and the victim is out the money they wired;
Cheque Cashing Scam: Victims are approached by a person or persons on the street. They request that the victim cash a cheque for them, as they "lost their ID". The victim deposits the check and then withdraws the cash and provides it to the criminal.
Website Classified Ads: An item is offered for sale on a popular classified website. The buyer agrees to wire money to the seller in advance and never receives the item.
For a complete list of scams in more detail, view the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre website at www.antifraudcentre.ca.
