Here are some helpful tips to protect yourself against frauds and scams:
- Do not give out personal or financial information to anyone you do not know.
- Be aware of inbound telephone calls. Do not give out personal information.
- Be cautious of online activity. Be sure to check the legitimacy of websites, emails, and other online solicitations.
- Protect your identity. Shred documents that contain personal information and use strong passwords on all online accounts.
- Research any company before doing business with them. Check out the Better Business Bureau or other reliable sources.
- Be aware of red flags. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Use trusted payment methods. If you are buying something online, use a credit card or other secure payment method.
- Monitor your bank accounts and credit reports regularly. Watch for any suspicious activity and report it immediately.
- Stay informed. Stay up-to-date on current scams and frauds by following news outlets and visiting Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca).
- Report suspicious activity. If you believe you are the victim of a fraud or scam, contact the police and your financial institution immediately.