March is Fraud Prevention Month

Hinton FCSS is bringing awareness to our community. 'Fraud Prevention Month is an opportunity for organizations around the province to share information on frauds and scams and to raise awareness about the devastating effects these types of crimes have on neighbours, friends, and family members in our communities. 

According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), 62,365 cases of fraud were reported in 2023, 41,111 victims were reported, and 554 million dollars (over half a billion dollars) were lost to these crimes. 

In our community alone, the Hinton RCMP reported there were 99 reported cases of fraud with a total dollar loss of $586,161 in 2023. 

What makes the issue even more shocking is that, according to a Canada-wide IPSOS poll completed in 2023, only 7 percent of frauds and scams are reported to police, and 11 percent are reported to law enforcement. This indicates that the number of frauds and scams is much higher than reported and that the impact on individuals and communities is much deeper. 

It is because of the impact of frauds and scams Hinton FCSS has partnered with Hinton RCMP, Victim Services, and a local seniors working group (Community Champions) to create the “Protect Your Assets” (PYA) against frauds and scams awareness presentations. 

The objectives of the PYA presentations are simple: to raise awareness of these types of crimes, share tips on prevention, and provide suggestions on what to do if they happen to you. 

PYA Community Champions will be bringing fraud and scam awareness information to senior groups and organizations in our community over the month of March and wrapping up Fraud Prevention Month with a public presentation at the Hinton Legion (upstairs) on Thursday, March 28th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

While the information focuses on awareness and prevention for older adults, it is relevant to all age demographics because anyone can fall victim to these crimes, no matter their age. 

The work of the Protect Your Assets Community Champions won’t end with Fraud Prevention Month; the group will continue to bring awareness to the community on an ongoing basis, and organizations and individuals can book future presentations by calling FCSS at 780-865-6036. 

If you have been a victim of fraud or scam, it is important to talk to your bank (financial institution), the RCMP, and someone you trust who will help support you. While recovering money lost may be difficult, you can find support and guidance to reduce the negative emotional impacts of being victimized. 

You can find out more information about frauds and scams by visiting the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm, through the Alberta Government website on fraud prevention https://www.alberta.ca/fraud-prevention or by calling the Hinton RCMP detachment at 780-865-2455, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.