Skeptical and scam-savvy: Don’t fall for the fraudsters

April 3, 2017
Fredericton, New Brunswick

In your community

Chances are good that you've recently received a call or an email from someone claiming to be with a trusted organization like your bank, your credit card provider, the police, or as in many cases lately, the Canada Revenue Agency. Perhaps you've received notification that you've won the grand prize in a contest you never entered. These types of frauds, in which scammers contact you in an attempt to get your personal and financial information have become almost overwhelmingly common, part of day-to-day life—almost to be expected. Many people now recognize the signs of these scams and immediately disengage with callers or delete this type of email without responding.

Unfortunately, scammers are continuously evolving new ways to target people, and many of the frauds they commit aim to manipulate people's emotions or frighten them into handing over their information. For example, those looking for love are often targeted. In 2016, 748 victims in Canada lost over $17 million to scammers pretending to be in love. Scammers create fake online profiles on dating websites and social media, and attempt to gain their victim's affection and trust. They develop the relationship over an extended period of time, increasing their victim's trust. Typically, the higher the trust level, the more money lost. We have seen this type of scenario play out in New Brunswick and the consequences for the victims, both financial and emotional, can be devastating.

If you or someone you care for is looking for companionship through these websites, be cautious. The sad fact is that when it comes to online romance, a healthy and robust skepticism is simply necessary for safety. Always be suspicious when someone you haven't met professes their love; be skeptical when chatting with someone who claims to live nearby but is working overseas (this can be a set up so that they can later ask for money). Scammers may also say they have an emergency, such as a sick family member and need help covering costs. Protect yourself by never, under any circumstances, sending money for any reason. This may not seem romantic or even friendly, but let's be honest – neither is asking someone you have never met for money. Scammers play on the human desire to be of assistance to others, to help loved ones, and to find connection and companionship.

They also play on people's fears and may claim to be with the government or police, demanding you provide your information or suffer consequences. No government or police agency will ever contact you by telephone or email and demand this type of information. Anyone who tries to scare you into sharing your personal details is engaging in criminal behaviour and you would be wise to disengage and report the attempt to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you or your loved ones have been victims, contact your local RCMP or police.

It isn't easy for police in New Brunswick to investigate these types of frauds, as many of them originate overseas. It is still important to report any attempted frauds or frauds, either to police or to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. This way, trends can be identified and in many cases, warnings issued. As police, we often hear of victims who are ashamed to come forward because they don't want to admit that they have been fooled. We want victims to know that they have done nothing wrong and are not to blame for falling victim to the manipulations of criminals. These scammers know how to prey on human nature and use people's generosity, willingness to trust, and open-heartedness against them.

Everyone has a role to play in educating themselves about common scams and protecting themselves. We can also check in with our family members, particularly the elderly, who are frequently targeted by scammers, and ensure that they are also in the know. A wealth of information is available on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website as well on the RCMP's website at rcmp.ca.

Be wary, keep up to date, and always remember: if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. You may have heard this old cliché so many times that it has lost all meaning, but when it comes to protecting your identity and hard-earned money, this is one cliché that remains all too relevant.

Contact information

Cpl. Laurent Lemieux
RCMP in New Brunswick
Financial Crime Unit

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