Tips to Protect Yourself from Fraud

March is Fraud Prevention Month
FRAUD: RECOGNIZE IT. REPORT IT. STOP IT.

• Don't be fooled by the promise of a valuable prize in return for a low-cost purchase.
  
  
• Don't be afraid to hang up the phone, delete the email or close your Internet connection.
  
  
• Shred unwanted personal information such as bank statements, credit card bills, unwanted receipts, cheques, pre-approved credit applications and old tax returns.
  
  
• Don't purchase a product or service without carefully checking out the product, service and company.
  
  
• Don't be afraid to request further documentation from the caller so you can verify the validity of the company.
  
  
• Check your credit report every year and report problems immediately.
  
  
• Don't disclose personal information about your finances, bank accounts, credit cards, social insurance and driver's license numbers to any business that can't prove it is legitimate.
  
  
• Request written, detailed information, including references, from companies to research any offer.
  
  
• Be extra cautious about calls, e-mails or mailings offering international bonds or lottery tickets, a portion of a foreign dignitary's bank account, free vacations, credit repair or schemes with unlimited income potential.
  
  
• If a scam artist contacts you, or you've been defrauded, call PhoneBusters, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre, at 1-888-495-8501.