HOW TO AVOID BEING A VICTIM OF SCAMS
Tips to help you protect yourself and avoid being a victim of financial fraud.
Screen your emails and text messages well.
Text messages or emails instructing you to click a link to retrieve money. Avoid responding to such communications or clicking on associated links, and never give out your personal or banking information by email or text message. Contact the company requesting the information.
Research APPS before downloading on your phone.
Some apps contain hidden software that can steal your personal information.
Fraudsters can take advantage of an impulse to download the “lastest” app.
Don’t share your bank details over email/text or social media
Fraudsters can mimic or impersonate a friend or family member’s writing style and request financial assistance. If it’s really an emergency, get on the phone with the friend or family member and handle it directly.
Don’t share personal information about your identity
Freelancing has become more popular, NEVER include your S.I.N (social insurance number) on emails, text or invoices.
If you need to provide confirmation of identity, you can do so without using your SIN. Before supplying personal information, inquire about how your information will be used and whether it will be shared with any third parties. To be safe, you can also obtain a copy of your credit report from a trustworthy source.
Impulse purchase on a “Great Deal”
Don’t just click “BUY” on a great deal offered online. Check the website and its reputation. Be prudent, if an offer appears too good to be true, it may very well be an attempt to commit fraud.
Exercise caution on Peer to Peer market places.
Fraud is increasingly becoming an issue on peer-to-peer marketplace sites. If you can’t meet the seller and see the item and confirm it is what you are paying for DO NOT send payment. If you’re sending money, you should likewise exercise caution while selecting a website. Fraudsters use these services and will even fabricate bogus documents. Your best bet is to limit your transactions to local and in-person.
What to do if you believe you are a victim of fraud
If your information has been leaked and you think you’re at risk, or if you see any transactions you did not initiate, contact us at 1-888-956-6636 or email us at solutions@momentumcu.ca.
We are here to help you.
Maintain vigilance over your account balances. Report financial fraud promptly if you discover anything you did not authorize! If you ate a victim of fraud via your credit card, contact the number on the back of your card to freeze any activity to prevent more fraudulent transactions. You can also contact the police or go to your local police station to report instances of fraud. It is an unfortunate reality that many people become victims of financial fraud – we hope these suggestions will help you be more aware and prevent you from falling victim to a scam.
For those who have grandparents, here are some common scams targeting our seniors
Be suspicious of anyone who contacts you with an urgent request for money or gift cards.
Do not provide any personal information over the phone. For example. do not give the caller the names of your friends, family members. your home address. or other information that could be used to compromise your security.
Do not send money through the mail, courier service, or agree to have someone come to your house to pick up money
Do not wire money without confirming the details with the family members involved.
Canadian court systems do not use “bail bondsman” to free a person from custody. If you are asked to send money, or post bond, be suspicious of the process and call police immediately.
If you get a call from someone who identifies themselves as a police officer or lawyer, they will never ask for money or valuables.
It’s okay to hang up the phone and call a family member, or your local police service to verify the details of any urgent request.