FRAUD PREVENTION AWARENESS
By The Honourable Filomena Tassi,
Minister of Seniors
M arch is Fraud Prevention Month, so I’m taking advantage of the occasion
to highlight the Government of Canada’s work to help Canadians – and
especially seniors – recognize, reject and report fraud.
Fraudulent schemes, like telecom, financial and email scams, target people
of all backgrounds, ages and income levels. I’m working to ensure the right
measures are in place so seniors, like all Canadians, are protected against fraud.
The Government of Canada supports initiatives that help
protect Canadian seniors from fraudsters – like the Fraud
Prevention Forum, a group of more than 100 organizations
combating fraud. We are also collecting information about
fraud to ensure that our education and awareness measures are
adapted to the most advanced schemes developed by scammers. Further, we’re supporting initiatives that help Canadians,
including seniors, use digital technology and the Internet
safely, securely and effectively. We’ve also launched a public
inquiry into misleading, high-pressure sales tactics often used
by telecom providers and I am looking forward to the resulting
report to be submitted in the coming months.
Complementing our work on fraud, I recently participated in
a roundtable to kick-start work on a code of conduct for banks
that would improve services for seniors – and all Canadians.
Last year, the government introduced legislative provisions
to advance the rights of bank consumers, so everyone can
benefit from stronger banking protections. Remember, fraud can happen to anyone. You can protect
yourself and others by learning to recognize it, reporting
it, and getting help if you or someone you know has been
affected by fraud.•
To access resources on how to prevent fraud, visit
Canada.ca/seniors or call 1 800 O-Canada
If you think you’ve been targeted by fraudsters, contact
the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at
antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
or call 1-888-495-8501
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1. TECH SUPPORT – “This is Microsoft, and
we detected viruses with your computer.” Hang
up. Microsoft doesn’t have time to do this.
2. REVENUE CANADA – “You owe money to
CRA and if you don’t press 1 and pay, we’ll have
to arrest you.” Truth is, if you owe money to
CRA they will mail you a letter; plus they’d never
ask for personal information by telephone.
3. ROMANCE SCAM – This caller already
knows everything about you, and will weasel
their way into your heart. Don’t fall for it.
4. PRIZE WINNER – You won the Reader’s
Digest lottery! Get ready to lose everything...
5. HEAD OFFICE SPOOF – If you’re the owner
of a franchise business, watch for calls from your
“head office”... (Yes, they’re fake).