‘Fraud is everywhere:’ Experts give tips to avoid scams

March is Fraud Protection Month, and a new poll says Canadians are getting tired of scams.

New data is revealing just how vulnerable and tired Canadians are when it comes to scams.

According to an RBC poll, 98 per cent of respondents’ report seeing more targeted and sophisticated scams. Eighty-nine per cent noted a rise in scam attempts and 86 per cent believe it’s getting hard to recognize a scam and protect themselves.

“Fraud is everywhere. It’s on our cell phones, whether we’re getting a text message or an email, or on social media where we get a message from someone that we think we know,” says Jeff Horncastle, the client and communications outreach officer for the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Last year, scammers stole more than $8.7 million from Nova Scotians and $7.4 million from New Brunswick residents, according to the Anti-Fraud Centre.

“And that’s why this year our theme is ‘uncovering fraud.’ We’re kind of getting into not only tactics that fraudsters are using tools…but we’re getting into how fraud impacts the victim,” says Horncastle.

Personal finance expert Barry Choi says risk prevention is key.

“Number one, make sure you have a strong password. I know it sounds really obvious,” says Choi.

He also recommends avoiding the use of public Wi-Fi for email and banking logins, and to be wary of suspicious links.

“One other thing I would suggest is to make sure your apps and your software is always updated, because whenever there’s a security vulnerability, thieves and hackers will find it,” he says.

The poll suggests people are feeling tired of always having to be on alert, with 33 per cent of respondents admitting they let their guard down.

But Choi says keeping your guard up is important where scams are concerned.

“Every single day we hear about a new scam and the most worrisome part is that it affects people of all ages. Before it used to be just targeted towards seniors, now it’s affecting parents, younger people, there are just so many different fraud attempts at your finances. Which is why it’s a family affair,” he says.

The Anti-Fraud Centre is focusing on the emotional toll scams can have on victims.

“These frauds really affect victims in other ways. It can cause emotional distress, psychological effects, social isolation, lost of trust. So, we’re kind of bringing exposure to that,” says Horncastle.