This March, the Alberta RCMP will be sharing a variety of tips and resources in support of the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association’s (ACCPA) Fraud Prevention Month campaign.
The campaign, which will include a weekly theme, seeks to educate Albertans on the many ways that fraudulent activity negatively impacts their communities.
This week, ACCPA and other supporting agencies including the RCMP, are focusing on investment scams. This includes, but is not limited to:
· Investment fraud via social media;
· Ponzi or pyramid schemes;
· Cryptocurrency schemes;
· Real estate scams; and,
· Offshore investing schemes.
To better protect yourself from investment scams, consider the following:
· Be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities;
· Always get a second opinion;
· Be suspicious of time-limited or high-pressure salespeople; and,
· Research the investment for how it works, the risks and fees.
“Investment scams often appear as business opportunities that are just too good to be true. Always be suspicious of unsolicited investment opportunities — even from friends and family members,” said Cpl. Sean Milne, Alberta RCMP Provincial Economic Crime Team.
If you’re unsure you’re being targeted by a scam, visit the Government of Canada’s website to learn about common scam types.
If you have been the victim of fraud, report it to your local law enforcement and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at www.antifraudcentre.ca, or by calling: 1-888-495-8501.
Be sure to contact your bank and credit card company if you believe your personal or financial information has been compromised.