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Fraud Prevention
Fraud Prevention
They're everywhere. Scammers and fraudsters trying to steal your information, your money and your peace of mind. The tactics used by these fraudsters are becoming more and more sophisticated every day, so how do you protect yourself? Education is your best line of defense. Let learning be your power to protect yourself from being a victim. Stay vigilant to stay safe.
How to Protect Yourself
You receive a suspicious email or phone call from a stranger. What is the first thing you should do? STOP before you proceed with any requests and THINK about whether this request is legitimate. Always QUESTION whether or not the person on the other end of the phone call or email is telling the truth or is seeking to cause you harm. A few more tips....
Don't be afraid to say no
Scammers will use high pressure tactics that play on your emotions. If you receive a phone call or an email that asks you to buy something or send money right away, ask them to verify in writing. If the request does not seem legit, delete the email or hang up the phone.
Do your research
Always verify that the organization or person you are dealing with is legitimate before you take any action. Call the actual organization such as your financial institution, Canada Revenue Agency and/or your credit card company, and ask whether the request is legitimate. Beware of fake or deceptive ads that may appear online. Always verify that the company and its services are real before you make a purchase or provide information.
Don't give out personal information
Never provide personal information such as name, address, birthdate, Social Insurance Number, credit card or banking information if you receive an unsolicited phone call. If you didn't initiate the call, you don't know who you are talking to.
Beware of upfront fees
Many fraudsters will ask you to pay fees in advance of receiving goods, services, or a prize. It's illegal for a company to ask you to pay a fee upfront before they will give you a loan. In Canada, there are no fees or taxes for prize winnings.
Protect Your Computer
Install anti-virus software on your computer and keep your operating systems up to date. Never click on any urgent messages that pop up while you're browsing online. If you receive an email, be wary of clicking on links or attachments as the scammer may be trying to install a virus or malware on your computer. Legitimate computer companies will never call you and claim that your computer is infected with a virus.
How to Protect Your Online Accounts
Create Strong Passwords
- Use a minimum of 8 characters, including upper and lower case letters, and at least one number and a symbol.
- Create unique passwords for every online account including social networks, emails, financials and other accounts.
- Use a combination of passphrases that are easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. A password keeper app on your phone is a great place to keep passwords if you can't remember them.
Enable Multifactor Authentication
To add an additional layer of security, enable multifactor authentication on all of your online accounts.
Use Reliable Sources
Before logging into you account, double check that the URL is the correct one. Scammers will create fake sites to try and steal your info. If the account is one you use often, bookmark the link and always use the bookmark to access the site.