Crime Prevention Week 2023; Fraud Prevention Tips

November 8, 2023

Crime Prevention Week 2023; Fraud Prevention Tips

Cybercrimes are among the fastest growing types of criminal activity.  With more and more people engaged in on-line activities such as communicating at work, school and with family and friends, banking, shopping, etc., the online web offers criminals many opportunities to victimize people from anywhere in the world.

Online fraud – Cybercrimes are a growing area of crime, particularly on-line fraud. Law enforcement personnel need to provide citizens with good information so they can make wise choices when it comes to their on-line activities.

Tax frauds (phone, door, web) – The Canadian Revenue Agency continues to warn Canadians about the increase in tax fraud. Criminals today are sophisticated and tech savvy. It’s important that Ontarians know how to protect themselves from unscrupulous criminals trying to pass themselves off as legitimate government authorities.

Below are some tips to help you identify potential frauds, resources to further educate yourself as well as reporting options.

Red Flag Terms and Phrases to Watch Out For

• OUT OF THE BLUE!
• ACT IMMEDIATELY!
• CLICK THIS LINK!
• PAY IN CRYPTO or GIFT CARDS
• OVERPAYMENT!
• PAY FOR YOUR PRIZE!
• KEEP THIS A SECRET!
• TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!

Ways to Protect Yourself

• Hang Up!
• Look up the phone number for yourself and call back
• Contact friends/relatives by another means of communication to confirm
• Google the name of companies or individuals + “Scam” and see what comes back

Fraud Awareness Resources

• Kingston Police Crime Prevention Page for Frauds and Scams:

www.kingstonpolice.ca/en/crime-prevention-and-safety/frauds-and-scams.aspx

• Follow @kpfraudunit on X
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
• Check out the Competition Bureau’s Little Black Book of Scams
• Additional information is available on the websites of the Canadian Competition Bureau, Ontario Securities Commission, Canada Revenue Agency, Ontario Government: Identify a Scam or Fraud

How to Report a Fraud

• For Kingston Police, call the non-emergency number: 613-549-4660; TTY 613-549-8792; or report online: www.kingstonpolice.ca
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca

If your personal information is compromised, you should contact the credit bureaus:

• TransUnion: 1-866-525-0262; www.transunion.ca
• Equifax: 1-800-465-7166; www.consumer.equifax.ca/personal