RCMP – Fraud Prevention Tips

On behalf of our partners at the RCMP, we are sharing the following.

Chestermere, Alta. – Chestermere RCMP reminds residents about the importance of staying vigilant as more of our daily activities take place online and over the phone. With the rise in digital communication, fraudsters are finding new ways to scam unsuspecting victims.

Chestermere RCMP offers the following tips on how to protect yourself from online fraud and scams:

• Protect your computer and accounts and be cautious of urgent-looking pop-ups and suspicious emails with spelling or formatting errors.
• Don’t click on unknown links or attachments.
• Use anti-virus software and keep your operating system up to date.
• Secure your online accounts with strong and unique passwords.
• Do not use the same password for numerous accounts.
• Don’t be afraid to say no. If a caller pressures you to buy something or send money immediately, hang up. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to manipulate victims.
• Confirm the legitimacy of businesses by checking official websites and contacting them directly before you act. If someone calls about a family member in trouble, reach out to others before acting.
• Guard your personal information and never share personal details (name, address, birthdate, banking info, etc.) unless you initiated the contact. You never know who’s on the other end of an unsolicited call or message.
• Beware of upfront fees. In Canada, legitimate prizes do not require fees or taxes to claim.
• If you didn’t enter a contest, you’re not a winner.

The Chestermere RCMP reminds residents that if you witness a crime in progress or see suspicious activity, call 9-1-1 immediately. For non-emergencies, you can:

• Call 310-RCMP (7267)
• To report online, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. Alternatively, visit rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ab and select Online Crime Reporting under quick links.

For more fraud prevention tips, visit us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.