Fraudsters beware!
The RCMP hosted a fraud awareness information session at the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce Friday afternoon for local businesses.
Constable Ginette Rochon, who has been in the Battlefords for three years, led the seminar teaching businesses what to look for if their employees suspect fraudulent activity.
The lesson started with tips on how to recognize counterfeit bills with the release of the new polymer-based notes. Rochon instructed the attendees to apply the "feel, look and flip" technique. Examples for fraudulent cheques and debit cards were also presented to show businesses what to look for in order to protect themselves.
Debit cards brought up the fact employees needed to be watched as well. Items such as debit card skimmers are small, easily-concealed devices customer service representatives can use to steal information from a customer's card when they are not looking. Rochon suggested to always keep your card in sight as these criminals will attempt to divert your attention from what they are attempting to do.
Other tips presented to keep safe from fraud was to avoid doing any type of shopping or banking on computers used by the public. These activities should be saved for home to nullify the risk of having information stolen from the computer.
A major focus of the seminar was the increase of fraud attempts with the improvement of technology. Rochon explained how there have been emails from familiar institutions asking to update personal information and providing a link to their website. She said many of these instances are scams and in order to not become a victim, people who receive these notices should contact the company or go to their website independently.
Rochon also stressed many of these companies, especially banks, will contact an individual over the telephone if the claims are legitimate. If there is any suspicion of foul play, call the company to verify an email was sent.
If someone does fall victim to fraud, it is important to report what happened to the police immediately. Rochon said about five per cent of incidents do not get reported because the victims are embarrassed they fell for the scam.
Rochon instructed the attendees to go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at www.antifraudcentre.ca to report a scam if they have not been victimized.
