Sask. RCMP say fraud reports have risen 81% since 2014

An RCMP detachment can be seen in this file photo. (David Prisciak/CTV News)

The Saskatchewan RCMP says it has seen a steady rise in fraud reports over the past decade.

Fraud reports in the province have increased by 81 per cent from 2014 to 2024, according to an RCMP news release.

The rise is highlighted with a 200 per cent increase in reports of fraud greater than $5,000 and a 335 per cent increase in fraud related to theft, forgery and misuse of credit cards, the release says.

In 2014, Saskatchewan RCMP says it received 156 fraud reports that were greater than $5,000. In 2024, that rose to 671.

Theft, forgery and misuse of credit cards rose to 148 in 2024. In 2014, Saskatchewan RCMP were made aware of 43 possible cases.

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“The internet gives everyone instant access to information – including fraudsters who use it for financial gain. Our analysts examine fraud-related crime data to identify trends and patterns,” Sgt. Lorna Dornstauder, an officer with the Saskatoon Provincial General Investigation Section said in the release.

Saskatchewan RCMP say proactive measures taken by people can help prevent fraud at their expense.

• Always be on high alert when you receive unsolicited communication of any kind. Especially when pressured to act quickly, something seems too good to be true or when receiving threats.
• Monitor your banking account regularly for any suspicious activity.
• Be careful; scammers can spoof telephone numbers and make it appear as though they’re calling from a trusted source.
• Slow things down. Scammers create a sense of urgency when they call. If you are unsure if a phone call is a scam, hang up and reach out to your relative with a number you know and trust.
• Never agree to meet with someone who called you asking for money.
• Never give out personal information like your name, address, SIN or banking information over unsolicited calls or emails.
• If you are unsure if an incoming call is from your banking institution, a lawyer, police or a fraudster, hang up and call the agency back using a familiar phone number to confirm the information you were told is accurate.
• Don’t be afraid to say no. Don’t be intimidated by high-pressure sales tactics or requests to send money right away. Walk away or hang up the phone.
• Remember, anyone can become a victim of fraud – you are not alone. Fraudsters can be very convincing, they are relentless in achieving their goal, and they target people’s emotions and kindness.

Those who believe they are a victim of fraud should call RCMP or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.