RCMP alert

March is Fraud Prevention Month

With tax season in full swing, March 1 marks the beginning of Fraud Prevention Month, reminds the RCMP and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). Both money and identity are common targets.

This winter, one West Québec resident told the Bulletin she had received “eerie calls” from someone attempting to steal her information.

“The first call (warned me) someone was watching from outside my house and that I better get hold of them,” said the anonymous senior.

“The second call said I or my attorney should return the call quickly. The caller said he was a police sergeant. (A third time) a man said he was a revenue agent. He told me to call back so that they could help me.” The fraud’s number was 647-800-6901.

Many seniors report similar calls, says the RCMP.  “We receive hundreds of calls daily. Some have already lost money,” said Sgt. Al Boulianne at the anti-fraud centre, CAFC. “Fraudsters use sophisticated ways to target people of all ages. The impact can be devastating: retirement savings, homes, and businesses lost.”

During Fraud Prevention Month, the CAFC will describe different scam methods daily.

“The RCMP has programs to track fraud, and educates the public about scams and fraud,” said Assistant Commissioner Todd Shean, responsible for the RCMP's Federal Policing Special Services.

“Public awareness is an important educational tool. We want Canadians to be on the lookout for new scams or variations of older ones so they can protect themselves.”

The RCMP is asking victims to report scams to local police and to the CAFC. The CAFC does not conduct investigations but assists world law enforcement agencies by identifying connections among seemingly unrelated cases.