Fraud Prevention Month is an opportunity for organizations around the province to share information on frauds and scams and to bring awareness about the negative impact these crimes have on neighbours, friends, and family members in our communities.
Fraud Prevention Month is an opportunity for organizations around the province to share information on frauds and scams and to bring awareness about the negative impact these crimes have on neighbours, friends, and family members in our communities.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), there were 42,432 reported cases of fraud in Canada in 2024, 42,316 victims reported, and 638 million dollars lost (over half a billion dollars) to these crimes.
Locally, 72 cases of fraud and scams were reported to the Hinton RCMP in 2024, with a total asset loss of $725,689.
According to a Canada-wide IPSOS poll completed in 2023, only 11 percent of these crimes are reported to police, and 7 percent are reported to the CAFC, indicating the actual number of frauds and scams is much more significant than reported.
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) awareness initiative against frauds and scams.
PYA Community Champions will be bringing fraud and scams awareness information to seniors 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 Tuesday, March 25th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
While this information focuses on awareness and prevention for older adults, the information is relevant to all age demographics.
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. Organizations and individuals can book presentations by calling FCSS at 780-865-6036.
If you have been a victim of a 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 assets lost may be difficult, you can find support to reduce the negative emotional impacts of being victimized.
To find out more information on frauds and scams, visit: