By, Carla Hindman, Visa Canada
A generation ago, most families didn’t think about financial fraud. Today, it can come in many forms – over the phone, through the mail and increasingly, online. It’s an equal opportunity crime that affects consumers of all ages.
This March marked the 12th anniversary of Fraud Prevention Month (FPM) in Canada. FPM raises awareness about fraud, while helping Canadians learn how to recognize, reject and report it. To combat fraud, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada launched the ‘No Surprises‘ campaign to help Canadians understand their financial rights and responsibilities.
When your personal financial information gets into the wrong hands, the consequences can be devastating. It’s important to understand how identity theft and card fraud can happen to you. Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft or card fraud:
For more tips for protecting your personal and account information and preventing fraud, visit: The Canadian AntiFraud Centre (http://www.antifraudcentre.ca) and Visa’s Security Sense site (www.visasecuritysense.ca), which contains tips on preventing fraud online, in stores and at ABMs, spotting deceptive marketing practices, and more.
Bottom Line: If you should fall victim to fraud, it is important that you act quickly. Contacting the correct agencies and filing the necessary reports will go a long way toward minimizing any damage to your financial well-being.
Article used with permission from Practical Money Skills Canada
This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It’s always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation.
Ong Financial Planning Services Ltd.
John Ong, CFP, CHS, CPCA, CCS
Financial Planner
Tel: (604) 676-1088
Email:
1275 West 6th Avenue 3rd floor
Vancouver, BC
V6H1A6