Worried that a friend or family member may be a victim of a fraud?
Elderly people are particular targets for various scams and Prince George RCMP Cpl. Craig Douglass says a good first step to prevent parents or grandparents from becoming a victim is to sit them down and give them some tips to help prevent them from being duped.
"I can tell you this, since Nov. 1, at least three older people have been hit [with fraud-related scams] in Prince George so that's all the more reason to speak to your senior family members," Douglass said.
Sitting down with the family as a whole is also worthwhile, Douglass said, noting a teenage son once inadvertently gave sensitive information to a fraud artist over the phone.
And here is some advice to pass along:
- Do not give out personal information: Never provide your personal information to someone over the phone or through the internet. Banks, financial institutions and utility companies do not call their clients to confirm personal information including your personal identification number (PIN), social insurance number or date of birth. Hang up and call your local branch or office;
- Do not send money: If you get a request from someone you believe to be a loved one asking for money, ask them questions that only they would know. Often the victims believe the person is truly a grandchild, they don't even take the time to call the grandchild at home to confirm;
- Do not provide access to your computer: Providing someone remote access to your computer gives them full control. They can install 'phishing' programs and other viruses that can access your sensitive information;
- Do not purchase items to win a prize: In a legitimate contest, you do not have to purchase a product or pay a fee to receive the prize;
- Do not click on web links or reply to any e-mail requesting personal information: Legitimate businesses that require this information (such as your bank) will already have it and will never request you to verify it;
- Check the website or e-mail address: Often the website or e-mail address will be similar to a legitimate business, but not quite right. A simple variation or spelling mistake may tip you off to the scam right away and could save you thousands;
- Download a copy of the "Little Black Book of Scams:" It's a free guide to protecting yourself from fraud provided by the Competition Bureau of Canada.
- When dealing with door to door businesses, call the Better Business Bureau and check the business out before paying or letting someone into your home;
- Be cautious of downloading computer programs from an untrusted site: Some programs are designed to send your personal info and passwords to the criminals that created the programs. Use only trusted sites and install reputable anti-virus and anti-spyware software;
- Check your credit card statements: Ensure you review your statements when you get them and immediately report any discrepancies to your credit card provider;
- Request a credit report: Take a few minutes and spend a few dollars every year to obtain a copy of your credit report. The process can be done on-line and only takes a few minutes. The fee may well save you thousands in the end;
- Visit the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre (CAFC) website at www.antifraudcentre.ca: The CAFC is a trusted source for fraud data and for educational and prevention resource materials. Review the top scams, see the latest fraud alerts and acquire resource material.
For information on fraud awareness and prevention, check out these websites:
- The Canadian Anti-fraud Centre: www.antifraudcentre.ca.
- Be Fraud Aware: www.befraudaware.ca.
- The Better Business Bureau: www.mbc.bbb.org.
- Competition Bureau of Canada: www.competitionbureau.gc.ca.
- Canadian Bankers Association: www.cba.ca.
