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OPP offer safety tips during Fraud Prevention Month

Request information in writing, and don't be afraid to hang up
ElliotLakeToday Staff
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NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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March is Fraud Prevention Month and members of the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) want to remind everyone the importance of keeping vigilant when it comes to protecting your identity, your possessions and your money. 

Tips on how to protect yourself

Don't be afraid to say no:

  • Don't be intimidated by high-pressure sales tactics. If a telemarketer tries to get you to buy something or to send them money right away:
    • Request the information in writing, hang up.

Do your research:

  • Always verify that the organization you're dealing with is legitimate before you take any other action:
    • Verify Canadian charities with the Canada Revenue Agency
    • Verify collection agencies with the appropriate provincial agency
    • Look online for contact information for the company that supposedly called you, and call them to confirm
    • Verify any calls with your credit card company by calling the phone number on the back of your credit card

If you've received a call or other contact from a family member in trouble, talk to other family members to confirm the situation.

Don't give out personal information:

  • Beware of unsolicited calls where the caller asks you for personal information, such as:
    • Your name
    • Your address
    • Your birthdate
    • Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
    • Your credit card or banking information

If you didn't initiate the call, you don't know who you're talking to.

Protect your computer:

  • Watch out for urgent-looking messages that pop up while you're browsing online. Don't click on them or call the number they provide.
  • No legitimate company will call and claim your computer is infected with a virus.
  • Make sure you have anti-virus software installed and keep your operating system up to date.
  • Never give anyone remote access to your computer. If you are having problems with your system, bring it to a local technician.

Learn more

If you do suspect you have been a victim of a fraud, contact your local police detachment. For more information on how you can protect yourself from fraudulent activities, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) website or by telephone at 1-888-495-8501.

The Little Black Book of Scams is available online.

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