March 2020 marks the 16th anniversary of Fraud Prevention Month in Canada. Fraud Prevention Month is a month-long crime prevention initiative aimed at educating and informing consumers and the community on how to recognize, report and stop fraud.
Thousands of Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life are defrauded each year. There is no typical fraud victim in Canada. With advancements in technology it is now easier for scammers to obtain money or property through fraudulent means and to remain “faceless” as they do so.
Consumers have a role to play in stopping fraud by arming themselves with the facts and reporting fraud when they encounter it. Recognizing fraud is the first step to better protecting yourself. It is important for consumers to remain vigilant and aware of the many different types of fraud scams out there as they are ever changing and new trends are always emerging.
Throughout the month members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Community Safety Unit will be sharing information about common frauds, scams and tips for individuals and businesses to protect themselves.
· March 3 - 10AM to 2 PM- Coop Mall on 13th Avenue – OPEN TO PUBLIC
· March 4 - 1PM – Park Place Meadow Ridge Seniors Village
· March 5 - 2 PM – Medicine Hat Retirement Villa
· March 9 - 10 AM – The Wellington
· March 19 – 11 AM – River Ridge
· March 24 - 6:30 PM – General Fraud Prevention Information
o MHPS Community Boardroom
o Presenters: MHPS Community Safety Unit, MHPS Major Crimes Section, and the Better Business Bureau.
o This event is free and open to the general public to attend.
· March 26 - 2PM – Revera Meadowlands Retirement Residence
· April 15 – 11:30 AM – Cyber Security 101 for Business / Not For Profit
o MHPS Community Boardroom
o Presenters: MHPS Community Safety Unit and ATB
o Event sponsored by APEX Alberta
o To register: https://cybersecuritybanking.eventbrite.com
To keep yourself in the loop about Fraud Prevention Month activities occurring provincially, follow the hashtag #FPM2020 and #fightfraud on social media or visit the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association website at www.albertacrimeprevention.com/fraud-prevention-month.
For more information about frauds and scams visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.
Media Contact:
Sgt
Darlene Garrecht
Medicine Hat Police Service
Community Safety Unit
Ph: 403-529-8451