Fraud-related offences are now thought to be as profitable as drug-related offences, estimated at between $10 and $30 billion annually in Canada by the RCMP’s Commercial Crime Branch.
The majority of these crimes aren’t committed by kids at their computers; almost 80% are the work of criminal organizations.
Fraud should concern all Nova Scotians because it de-stabilizes our national economy and strengthens organized crime groups. The impact on individuals, families and businesses is devastating: retirement savings, homes, businesses, and in some cases, lives, have been lost.
While fraud losses are serious, the good news is that the majority can be prevented by identifying the methods used by fraudsters.
Fraud Prevention Month is an annual event that gives private and public organizations involved in the fight against fraud an opportunity to raise public awareness.
“It’s important for every Nova Scotian to be careful and to be alert to possible frauds that are occurring. It is not always easy to identify scams and through education we hope Nova Scotians will learn ways to help recognize, report and stop these scam artists,” said RCMP Inspector Jim MacDougall, Officer in Charge of the Nova Scotia RCMP Commercial Crime Section.
Throughout the month of March, Nova Scotia RCMP will be highlighting tips and information to help reduce your chances of being victimized by fraud and keep you safe from scammers.
Topics covered will include identity theft, phishing, on-line shopping, social networking and credit and debit card fraud.
March is Fraud Prevention Month: Recognize it, Report it, Stop it!
For more information, please visit the websites of these organizations taking part in Fraud Prevention Month:
RCMP: www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
Competition Bureau of Canada: www.ic.gc.ca
Fraud Prevention Forum: Chaired by the Competition Bureau, the Fraud Prevention Forum through its members, leads Fraud Prevention Month. A list of all Fraud Prevention Forum members is available on the Competition Bureau’s web site: www.competitionbureau.gc.ca
