How to Protect Yourself from Fraud & Identity Theft

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service receives complaints of fraud and identity theft on a regular basis. It is important that you educate yourself on reoccurring scams, and discuss them with people in your life that may be vulnerable of becoming a victim. The elderly are often targeted by scammers because of their inexperience with technology and the fact many scams look like they are coming from a legitimate source.

Here are a few ways you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.

• Never release any personal information over the phone to someone you don’t know, including banking and social insurance information.
• Remember, legitimate organizations have nothing to hide. You have the right to request additional information, a call back number and references and time to think about the offer.
• If it sounds too good to be true it likely is.
• If you have any doubt about the legitimacy of the call, email or communication, hang up or do not respond. It’s not rude, it’s smart.
• Protect sensitive information by storing it securely or shredding paperwork.
• Use strong passwords for any online activity and change them regularly.

If you’d like to learn more on how to protect yourself against fraud, please visit the Bank of Canada, Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.