Is it Tax Season or SCAM Season?

As we’re all aware, March and April don’t just herald the arrival of spring; it’s also in March and April every year that we all must turn our attention to our taxes.  Sigh…  

And, while it would seem to us that scams are more prevalent right now they're actually happening all the time. And the impact is scary.  Consider these stats from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre:

As of February 28, 2021:

• • Canadian reports of fraud: 11,266
  • Canadian victims of fraud:   7,646
  • Lost to fraud:  $34.6 million dollars

Those are some BIG numbers!  And, they're just for the first two months of 2021.  So far, while the number of reports is similar to previous years, the number of victims and in particular the money lost to fraud is way up.  What can you do about it?

• Start by committing to protect yourself and your money by doing your research, refusing to give out personal info, being wary of up-front fees, and never clicking on or listening to urgent-looking messages that pop up while you're browsing online.
• Next, check out some of the resources we have here, and that you'll find on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre's website.  The more aware you are the better chance you have of spotting the scams that are trying to separate you from your money and / or identity.
• IF you think you may be a victim of a scam or fraud, report it!
• If you're not sure if an offer, communication, etc. is a scam or not, ask for help.  
  • Talk to your Cybersecurity Ambassador
  • Connect with Computer Help Desk
  • Ask IT Security

Useful Links

Here's some links to additional information or resources that you may find useful - check 'em out!

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
• BC Government Information Security Branch - Fraud Awareness Month Quiz (this one's good!) https://bcgov.github.io/SecurityAwareness/March2018Quiz/index.html 
• What to do if you're a victim of fraud: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/scams-fraudes/victim-victime-eng.htm
• Canada Revenue  Agency: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/security/protect-yourself-against-fraud.html

Additional Resources

We've got some posters, courtesy of CRA, and a great summary on the topic of Identity Theft here.  Please have a look

As with all resources on this site you're more than welcome to share these with family and friends.