FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH

March is National Fraud Prevention Month
Learn the three Rs to protect yourself from falling victim

LONDON, ON (March 2, 2023) – Recognize. Reject. Report. Three simple actions that can help prevent you and your loved ones from falling victim to fraud. 

March is National Fraud Prevention Month, and the London Police Service Financial Crime Unit will be kicking off a month-long campaign aimed at educating Londoners about fraud tactics, trends, and tricks of the trade.

Fraudsters continue to develop increasingly sophisticated methods to victimize Canadians, while also relying on the basic tricks as well.  Take time to learn the signs of a scam or fraud, know how to report it, and share this information with the people around you. One conversation could be all it takes to prevent a friend or family member from falling victim to fraud.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is to not only ensure you’re aware of common types of fraud that are active in your community, but to take that information and share it with those you care about,” says Detective Sean Harding of the LPS Financial Crime Unit. “Speak with your friends and family, and ensure they know how to protect themselves from falling victim. We receive calls daily from people who have been targeted by fraudsters, and those are calls we never want to receive. Education and awareness are the keys to stopping this criminal activity before it can begin”.

Over the past two weeks, the Financial Crime Unit has taken reports on the following:

• 20 targeted computer frauds - the majority being spear phishing
• 19 identity frauds
• 10 credit card/bank frauds
• Eight (8) emergency/grandparent scams
• Six (6) frauds involving cheques
• Numerous alternate types of fraud (i.e. service fraud, romance scams, counterfeit, etc)

“Although the reporting of crime statistics is never a good news story, a silver lining that we are seeing is the positive effect that both local, provincial and national education regarding the emergency/grandparent scam is having,” says Harding. “Over that same two-week period, the LPS has been advised by over 20 citizens that they were able to not be taken in by this scam.  They used the 3 R’s when it comes to scams: Recognize, Reject and Report.  Recognize that a fraud is occurring.  Reject the attempted fraud.  Report the incident to local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)”.

This year in support of Fraud Prevention Month, the CAFC is exposing “Tricks of the trade: what’s in a fraudster’s toolbox?” so that Canadians and businesses can identify fraud attempts and protect themselves and the people around them.  This resource breaks down tactics used by fraudsters and provides a toolbox of actions that you can take, should you find yourself presented with a fraud.

“Continue to educate yourself and others – get the conversation going about fraud,” continues Harding.  “Help yourself and your loved ones recognize, reject and report scams and tactics used to entrap victims and perpetrate fraud. By working together, we can prevent these crimes from happening.”

Follow the London Police Service social media channels, visit our website, and watch for members of our Financial Crime Unit in the community throughout the month as we spread awareness aimed at ensuring no one falls victim to financial crime.

For media inquiries, contact:

Cst. Sandasha Bough
Media Relations Officer
C. 519-854-8576
Email. Media Officer