Kitimat RCMP continue to warn local residents to on the alert against fraud attempts.
“I encourage Kitimat residents to think about ways they can prevent being victim of fraud and identity theft,” said Kitimat RCMP detachment commanding officer S/Sgt. Graham Morgan.
According to the RCMP, last year was a historic year for financial losses reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). There was $379 million lost to scams and fraud in 2021, which is a 130 per cent increase compared to 2020.
Some of the most reported scams included extortion, phishing, merchandise scams, service scams and vendor fraud. While only about 5 per cent of fraud cases are reported according to the CAFC.
“People should have conversations with family members and friends to ensure that there is awareness, particularly around unsolicited phone calls, strong passwords and protecting personal information such as SIN numbers,” said Morgan.
From January 2022 to March 2022 there have been a total of 21,256 reports of fraud, 13,433 victims of fraud and there has been $125-million lost to fraud across Canada.
“Impersonation scams have become increasingly more sophisticated. Fraudsters have taken advantage of consumers as we’ve grown more reliant on the Internet to shop, socialize and for entertainment,” said Matthew Boswell, commissioner of competition for the Canadian Competition Bureau.
Fraud can be reported to the Competition Bureau and on their website they have information regarding recognizing fraud, protecting your business from fraud and tips on how not to fall victim to scams.
If you are the victim of fraud, scam or a cybercrime you can also contact your local police department or report them online to CAFC, or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.