There has been a significant increase in fraud cases in the past years. This is due to scammers becoming more creative with their tactics and more transactions moving online. However, only a small percentage of fraud cases are reported to police in Canada.
Some of the most common scams committed include impersonating a Government official or a business, befriending the individual, bank oversights and investment fraud.
In order to prevent scams, it is important to know how to identify them and remain up to date on the latest tactics used by scammers. If you are ever uncertain or feel pressured, you should always take a step back and do the research. It is also important to report to the police if you believe you were targeted by a scammer so you can prevent others from becoming victims.
Smoky Lake County Rural Crime Watch wants to help give you the necessary tools to recognize a scam, who to talk to, how to report it and where to go for more information. Sign up for our email updates for more information on fraud and other crime prevention tips.