Friday, March 9, 2018 / by Ruth Ballantyne
Protect yourself from financial fraud
(NC) We are all at risk of being targeted by fraud, and since November is Financial Literacy Month in Canada, it's an ideal time to improve your money management skills, which includes brushing up on how to identify and prevent financial scams-and especially, what to do should you or someone you know become a victim.
Your Financial Toolkit is a financial resource developed by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, the Investor Education Fund and the Autorité des marchés financiers and it offers tips on protecting yourself. Available at itpaystoknow.gc.ca, this toolkit warns about offers that seem too good to be true. Other suggestions include refraining from giving out personal or financial information by phone, email or online; or accepting offers when you're feeling pressured or made to feel guilty for refusing.
If you believe that you or someone you know may have encountered a potential scam, contact your local police and the Canadian-Anti Fraud Centre to report the incident and get advice. Also, warn your family and friends about the attempted fraud to help them stay safe.