March is Fraud Prevention Month

Every year, thousands of Canadians fall victim to fraud. Most people don’t think it could happen to them, but fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated methods to target people of all ages and from all walks of life. More and more of these schemes, especially during the pandemic, are being attributed to organized crime. The impact on individuals, families and businesses is devastating – retirement savings, homes, businesses and in some cases, lives have all been lost.

It’s sometimes hard to keep on top of all the information you need to know to keep your money and your personal information safe. Terms like “identity theft,” “debit card fraud,” and “phishing” can sound scary. You may not know where to turn to get clear information about what these terms mean and how you can protect yourself.

The good news is that the majority of frauds can be prevented by identifying the methods used by fraudsters. The more you know about a fraud, the less likely you are to fall for it. Through awareness, you can avoid becoming a victim. Check out the Surrey Board of Trade website for events and resources to help you.