Fraud Prevention and Safety for Individuals
Presented By:
Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism, Better Business Bureau of Saskatchewan, Government of Saskatchewan Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority, Regina Crime Stoppers, Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers, Regina City Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Saskatchewan Safety Council
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Contents Red Flags and Key Words ...... 7 Red Flags ...... 7 Key Words ...... 9 Scams ...... 10 Definition ...... 10 Types of Scams ...... 10 The Carpet Cleaning Scam ...... 10 The Door-To-Door Overpriced Item Scam ...... 10 The Mail Scam ...... 11 Frauds ...... 11 Definition ...... 11 Types of Frauds ...... 12 1-900 Fraud ...... 12 Advanced Fee Fraud (Loans) ...... 13 Advanced Fee Fraud (Nigerian/West African/Inheritance Letters/Emails) 13 Advanced Fee Fraud (Lottery Emails) ...... 14 Advanced Fee Fraud (Puppy Fraud) ...... 15 Canadian Revenue (CRA) Tax Fraud………………………………………………………15 Cheque Overpayment Fraud ...... 16 Counterfeit Money ...... 17 Dead-Air Calls ...... 18 Emergency (Grandparent) Fraud ...... 19 False Charities ...... 21 Make A Plan For Handling All Charitable Requests ...... 21 Handyman Fraud ...... 22 Identity Theft ...... 23
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What Identity Theft Is ...... 23 Signs Your Identity Is Being Used ...... 23 How Con Artists Get Information On Potential Victims ...... 24 How Con Artists Use Information On Potential Victims ...... 25 What To Do If Victimized By Identity Theft ...... 26 Minimize Your Risk Of Identity Theft By: ...... 27 Internet Dating Fraud ...... 29 Lowering Credit Card Rates Fraud ...... 30 Medical Cures Fraud ...... 31 Phishing ...... 32 Phone Number Spoofing ...... 35 Phony Bank Inspector ...... 35 Ponzi/Pyramid Schemes ...... 36 Prize Pitch/Recovery Pitch Fraud ...... 37 Sweepstakes Fraud ...... 38 Travel/Vacation Fraud ...... 38 Utility Company Identification Fraud ...... 39 Vehicle Sales Fraud (Cars, Trucks, Trailers) ...... 40 Vehicle Warranty Fraud ...... 41 Alert ...... 41 Cyber Security Risks ...... 42 Frequently Asked Questions ...... 42 Safety ...... 45 Older Adult Neglect and Abuse ...... 45 Home Safety ...... 46 Home Fall Prevention ...... 47 Saskatchewan Safety Council Fall Prevention Checklist: ...... 47
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Living Room & Bedroom ...... 47 Basement & Laundry ...... 48 Stairs & Hallways ...... 48 Bathroom ...... 49 Kitchen ...... 50 Outside the Home ...... 50 General ...... 51 Who to Call ...... 53 Safety Related Questions……………………………….……………….…………………..53 Research with BBB (for scams and for company names) before commiting to anything. Warn others by reporting the scam to BBB Scamtracker at sask.bbb.org/scamtracker ...... 53 Consumer Complaints or Door-to-Door Sales ...... 53 Reporting Lost or Stolen Credit Cards, Identity Theft, or Checking Your Credit Rating ...... 53 Crime Stoppers Tip Line ...... 54
Reporting Problems with Direct Mail……………………………………………..… 54 Checking Validity of Charitable Organizations ...... 54
Registering on a "Do Not Call" List………………………………………………..….. 55 Investigating or Reporting Renovation and Repair Fraud ...... 55 Requesting Information on a Variety of Issues Including Financial Abuse, Mental or Physical Abuse, Scams, Health, Recreation, etc. .. 55 Reporting a Fraud or Scam ...... 55 Other Website Resources ...... 56 Other Local Resources...... 56 Requesting Police Services ...... 56 RCMP Detachments in Saskatchewan ...... 56 Municipal Police Services in Saskatchewan ...... 60
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Introduction
Fraud Prevention and Safety for Individuals is a resource especially intended for older adults, designed to help people be safe in their homes and communities. It has been created through the collaboration of the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism, Better Business Bureau of Saskatchewan, Government of Saskatchewan Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority, Regina Crime Stoppers, Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers, Regina City Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Saskatchewan Safety Council. Raising awareness of frauds and scams is the main focus of this resource, but it also includes other safety information we hope you will find useful.
How to Use This Handbook
Read through the information to make yourself better informed. Then keep it handy as a reference guide.
If you are part of a seniors’ group or any other group that gets together for meetings or coffee, you may like to choose one or two items for the topic of a short discussion each time you meet. This helps share the information and makes you and others aware of ways to avoid frauds and scams, address issues of older adult abuse, and maintain your personal safety.
You may wish to share your copy of this handbook with someone else or order it for them. You might want to talk to your family members or friends about the areas covered in the resource. If those closest to you are also aware of the topics covered here, they can help you be safer and they may also learn things to keep them safer as well.
While this resource is focused on keeping older adults safe, it is something everyone can make use of. It is interesting to note that the Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently did a survey on who was most likely to fall victim to scams. What they found is that while older adults are very vulnerable to scams that involve family (e.g. people phoning and pretending to be a grandchild in need of help), Millennials are actually more likely overall to fall victim to a scam
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INTRODUCTION than Baby Boomers. Being younger with less life experience seems to make them more vulnerable. If you are interested in the complete survey, it is available at www.bbb.org/TruthAboutScams
The BBB also maintains a ScamTracker tool which provides a means to report scams and tracks the most prevalent current scams. You can find information for Saskatchewan and report scams at www.bbb.org/scamtracker/saskatchewan/
The survey mentioned above asked people why they would report a scam. The #1 answer given was ‘to warn others’. Spreading the word and being well informed yourself are the keys to preventing frauds and scams.
We hope you find this resource helpful and that it keeps you and those around you safe in your home and in your community.
For print copies of this resource please contact the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism at:
#112 - 2001 Cornwall Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3X9
Or
Phone: (306) 359-9956
A searchable .pdf version will be available at: www.sasksafety.org/resources/seniors-safety /fraud-prevention/FraudPrevention.pdf www.skseniorsmechanism.ca/
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SCAMS AND FRAUDS
Red Flags and Key Words
There are warning signs that you may become a victim of a scam or fraud—those warning signs are the red flags and key words. Listen to your intuition when you feel or hear these warning signs.
Red Flags A “red flag” can serve as a warning that something isn’t right and can help alert you to frauds and scams. Watch for the following red flags in your dealings with strangers: Credit card security number request. Someone asks for the three-digit security number on the back of your credit card. Legitimate businesses may require that number to verify your identity; however, you should only provide it if you have initiated the transaction. Pressure. The deal is a limited opportunity or you feel pressure to make a purchase decision. Legitimate businesses will give you a chance to check them out or to think about the deal. Sounds too good. The deal sounds too good to be true. It probably is too good to be true. Pay-to-claim. You must pay money in order to claim a prize. A prize is free; you should not have to pay anything for it. Free is free! Private information request. Someone asks for your private financial information such as your banking information or credit card number. Banks do not request this information over the phone or by email and honest businesses do not require these details unless you initiate the business deal, for example, during an online purchase. Undue excitement. The caller or sales person is more excited than you are. They want to build up your excitement about the opportunity so that you will not be able to think clearly. Unusual payment method. Someone requests that you pay by cash, money order, iTunes gift card or Western Union rather than by cheque or credit card. Con artists have difficulty establishing themselves as merchants with legitimate credit card companies so often ask for these types of payments. Cash payments are also untraceable and cannot be cancelled.
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Undue friendliness. A stranger wants to become your best friend. They are trying to determine if you are lonely because we do not normally suspect our friends of being con artists. Personal questions. Someone pretending to be a “person of authority” (e.g. a lawyer) or a professional (e.g. a cleaning service) calls and asks you personal or lifestyle questions. They are trying to deceive you into giving out personal information about yourself so they can steal your identity or your money. Monetary requests. Someone tries to get you to send them large sums of money (e.g. the grandparent fraud). Never send large sums of money to someone you do not know or to someone whose identity you have not verified. Deficient equipment claim. Someone pretending to be from one of the crown utilities (e.g. SaskPower, SaskEnergy, SaskTel) contacts you, alleging that your equipment is deficient and you need to quickly buy and install theirs, i.e. furnaces, air conditioners, hvac system, alarm system. This could be by phone or in person. Scare tactics about programs being abolished. You get a letter in the mail and it looks like it’s coming from a non-profit advocacy group claiming that the government is attempting to abolish ‘something’ (old age pension, medical coverage, some kind of government program). The group needs your donation of $16.45 to get “an additional 36 referendums from citizens who feel the same way as you and me.” Once they have your credit card number, it can lead to ID theft and other cons.
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Key Words The following key words are words that con artists use to get access to your money or information. Any of these words could come up in a typical conversation with a con artist. Knowing these words and phrases will save you from becoming a victim: research a ‘keyword’ on BBB Scam Tracker. If you’ve been approached, warn others by reporting the scam. last chance double your money buy now only 30 minutes left hurry I was in the neighbourhood, I can get you a good deal you have won you can pay me cash, money free vacation order, Western Union, iTune keep this secret cards or gift cards final day what is your mother’s maiden name? claim your prize who comes to visit you? invest now cure your ailment I need your SIN number earn money from home I need your PIN number earn thousands working from I need your credit card number home call 1+900-xxx-xxxx or 1+976- xxx-xxxx to claim your prize.
Note: The 1+900 and 1+976 are pay-per-call services. You are charged either per minute or flat rate per call. Only prefixes 1+800, 1+866, 1+ 877, or 1+888 are toll-free.
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SCAMS AND FRAUDS
Scams
Definition Scams are questionably legal acts. A scam occurs when a con artist takes money from someone but technically does not break the law when he/she does so.
BBB'S TOP TEN SCAMS AND Example: You may have purchased a brooch that TOTAL DOLLARS LOST IN CANADA was advertised as a “gold tone” brooch and you IN 2015: may have paid a fairly steep price for it thinking it 1. CRA INCOME TAX SCAM; was actually gold. Once you get the “gold tone” TOTAL LOSS=2.9 MILLION brooch home, you realize it is not gold at all. You may have been misled by the term (gold tone); 2. CATPHISHING; however, technically, the con artist is only guilty of TOTAL LOSS=15.6 MILLION overcharging you for the brooch. 3. FAKE LOTTERY WINNINGS; TOTAL LOSS=6.5 MILLION Types of Scams The Carpet Cleaning Scam 4. INVESTMENT FRAUD; TOTAL LOSS=6.0 MILLION Carpet cleaners phone potential customers telling them about a sale where the customer can get so 5. SECRET SHOPPER; many rooms cleaned for a specific amount of TOTAL LOSS=3.9 MILLION money. When the customer accepts the deal, the cleaners go to the customer’s home and use 6. FREE TRIAL TRAPS; various excuses (e.g. the rooms are larger than TOTAL LOSS=2.9 MILLION they thought) to charge you more money than 7. SPEAR PHISHING; what the sale was originally going to cost. Because TOTAL LOSS=5.8 MILLION the cleaners are already there and you want your carpets cleaned, you agree to pay the extra money. 8. OVERPAYMENT/REFUND; TOTAL LOSS=5.3 MILLION
The Door-To-Door Overpriced Item Scam 9. FAKE RELATIVE NEEDS CASH; A salesperson arrives at the customer’s door selling TOTAL LOSS=1.9 MILLION vacuums. The customer invites the salesperson in to 10. ADVANCE FEE LOANS; TOTAL give a demonstration. The salesperson says the LOSS= 989,634 THOUSAND vacuum is a good deal at $700. The customer happily pays the salesperson for the vacuum but FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: later finds out the vacuum is only worth $100. bbb.org/saskatchewan
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NOTE: in Saskatchewan, the Direct Sellers Act requires the business and the salesperson to have a direct sellers license unless they are exempted by legislation. In addition, they will likely require a municipal license, too. There are NO licensing exemptions for direct salespersons who sell home renovation products or services.
The Mail Scam A customer receives a letter in the mail indicating he/she is one of three people who has won $1000. The lottery company asks the customer to send in $5 to see if he/she is the winner. Two weeks later, the customer receives a pen and a “thank you” from the lottery company for playing. The customer won a “prize” but it wasn’t the $1000.
Frauds
Definition Frauds are clearly illegal acts. Fraud occurs when a con artist uses deception to make a profit or to take your money. They pretend to be someone they are not or say they will do something they don’t do.
Example: A con artist from out of town may sell you a puppy over the internet. He/she will give you every indication that the puppy will be sent to you once your money arrives. You are confident that the puppy will be sent to you so you send your money. You never see the puppy. In fact, the con artist may not have owned the puppy in the first place, instead using pictures stolen from another website to entice buyers. This is clearly illegal because he/she was trying to take your money with no intention of giving you anything in return.
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SCAMS AND FRAUDS
Types of Frauds
1-900 Fraud Consumers are encouraged, usually through a mail offer, to call a 1-900 number in order to find out how much money they have won. It is implied that the consumer has won a large prize (cash, cars, boats etc.) and a brief phone call to the 1-900 number will confirm the prize.
The offer usually states the cost of the call per minute (around $4.99) and the average length of the call (usually 7 or 8 minutes) for a total cost of $35 to $40.
Most 1-900 numbers are linked to a voice-response system that prevents the consumer from speeding up the call. More often than not, the prize available is minimal (one or two dollars) and the consumer will lose $35.00 for every call they make.
Note: The 1+900 and 1+976 are pay-per-call services. You are charged either per minute or flat rate per call. Only prefixes 1+800, 1+866, 1+877, or 1+888 are toll- free.
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About 1-900 Fraud: Read through the offer carefully and understand the odds of winning. Know that some telephone companies offer free services that will block access to all 900/976 numbers; others charge a fee. Offers vary and consumers should check with their telephone provider for details.
Note: Reactivating the 900/976 numbers service may result in a $10.00 fee. Report 1-900 fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP.
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SCAMS AND FRAUDS
Advanced Fee Fraud (Loans) Advanced fee loan ads generally appear in classified sections of local and national newspapers, magazines, and tabloids. They claim their company can guarantee a loan even if the consumer has bad credit or no credit. These loans usually require an up-front fee, which may range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Usually, the consumer never gets the promised loan and then cannot get his/her money back once it is sent.
WhatPROTECT You Y CanOURSELF Do About Advanced Fee Loan Fraud
What KnowYou Can that Do simply About advertising Advanced Feethrough Loan recognized Fraud: media outlets does not ensureknow that legitimacy simply advertisingof the company through behind recognized the ad. If media you cannot outlets get does a loan not throughensure the traditional legitimacy lending of the institutions,company behind it is unlikely the ad. If that you you cannot will getget onea inloan respons throughe to traditional a classified lending ad. institutions, it is unlikely that you will Igetn most one injurisdictions, response to ita isclassified illegal for ad. a company to request an up-front fee prior to obtaining a loan. Ask the loan company to take the amount of their fee off the total amount of the loan that was promised to you. Report Advanced Fee Fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP. Notify the Better Business Bureau.
Advanced Fee Fraud (Nigerian/West African/Inheritance Letters/Emails) A consumer receives a request via letter, email, or fax for an urgent business transaction indicating that a very wealthy stranger has died. The letter, which claims to be written by a doctor, a relative, a prince, a king, or a major corporate entity in Nigeria, stresses the urgency and confidentiality of the transaction, the importance of trust and honesty (to make the consumer believe that the letter is valid), and may mention government involvement. The letter writer asks for assistance with banking and moving a large amount of money involving the consumer’s bank account and asks the consumer to share in the wealth. The consumer would presumably get a significant percentage of the amount (perhaps as high as 20%) for simply providing his/her bank account details.
Typically, a consumer would respond by phone, fax, or email and would request further information on the requirements and procedure for the transaction.
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Once contact is established, the letter writer normally asks for an up-front processing fee and, in some cases, arranges for a meeting to discuss the transfer of funds.
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Advanced Fee Letters/Email Fraud: Do not open unsolicited emails as the message may contain a virus that can damage your computer. Forward copies of the letters (regardless of country of origin) directly to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Report Advanced Fee Letter Fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP. Notify the Better Business Bureau.
Advanced Fee Fraud (Lottery Emails) Lottery emails arrive in your email advising you that you have hit the jackpot.
What You Need To Know Lottery companies do not: notify winners by email; randomly select email addresses to award prizes; use free email accounts (Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.) to communicate with you; tell you to call a mobile phone number; tell you to keep your winnings secret; ask a winner to pay any fees up front (like taxes or a security deposit) to receive a prize, lottery, or sweepstake.
You cannot win without first buying a lottery ticket.
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Lottery Emails: Delete the email. Report the lottery email to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of
FRAUD PREVENTIONthe RCMP. AND SAFETY Notify HANDBOOK, the Better DECEMBER Business 2016 Bureau. PAGE 14
SCAMS AND FRAUDS
Advanced Fee Fraud (Puppy Fraud) Puppy fraud involves the promise of a puppy when all the necessary fees are paid. Advertisements using stolen photos are placed in newspapers claiming they are pictures of puppies for sale, when, in fact, the con artist does not have the puppy that is for sale. The ad usually involves someone who has moved, is moving, or who resides in another country. Money is requested in advance to cover the purchase of the puppy, shipping, and customs charges. The consumer is referred to a money-wiring service such as Western Union or Money Gram. The consumer forwards the money and waits a few days for the puppy to arrive. When the puppy does not arrive, the consumer attempts to contact the seller, but receives no answer.
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Puppy Fraud: Know who you are dealing with—independently confirm the seller’s name, street, address, and telephone number and contact your local office of the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Only purchase puppies from reputable breeders or adopt a puppy from your local Humane Society. Resist the pressure to “act now”—if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If the buyer wants to use a service you have not heard of, check it out. To ensure it is reliable, check its web site, call its customer service hotline, and read its terms of agreement and privacy policy. If you do not feel comfortable with the service, do not use it. Report Puppy Fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP. Notify the Better Busines Bureau.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Tax Fraud Taxpayers receive telephone/mail/text messages/emails asking for personal information or a phone call from scammers who threaten you with arrest or deportation if you don’t pay up.
CRA will not do the following: Send email with a link and ask you to divulge personal/financial info.
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SCAMS AND FRAUDS
Ask for personal information of any kind by email/text message/phone. Request payments by prepaid credit cards or gift cards. Make threatening phone calls.
Protect Yourself
Ask yourself the following: Did I sign up to receive online mail/provide my email address on my tax return? Am I expecting more money/Does this sound too good to be true? Is the requester asking for information CRA already has on file for me? If you receive a phone call, don’t answer or hang up immediately. Contact CRA directly. Set up an online CRA account – includes a secure message centre. Report the CRA Tax Fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP. Notify the Better Business Bureau.
Cheque Overpayment Fraud Overpayment fraud uses fraudulent cheques. The seller is actually owed money for goods sold and receives a counterfeit cashier’s cheque, personal cheque, or corporate cheque from the “purchaser” in an amount in excess of the amount owed. The seller is asked to deposit the cheque and wire the excess funds immediately back to the purchaser or to the purchaser’s agent or shipper. The deposited cashier’s cheque is subsequently returned as counterfeit and charged back to the seller’s account. Therefore, not only is the seller out the full amount of the counterfeit cheque, he is also out the amount he wired back to the sender/purchaser.
Example: “A con artist offers to buy a home or lease a rental property for a year. He sends a bogus cheque for more than the amount agreed upon and then contacts the seller or landlord—before the cheque clears the bank—claiming an error has been made. The con artist asks for reimbursement of the overpayment and that is where he makes his money.”
*Excerpted from “Home Sellers beware of internet scam” by Anne Kyle, Regina Sun Community News, July 26, 2009, page 38.
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SCAMS AND FRAUDS
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Cheque Overpayment: Know who you are dealing with–independently confirm your buyer’s name, street address, and telephone number. Be suspicious of any cheque, especially if it is for more than the agreed-to selling price and where the person paying expects you to reimburse the balance. Ask for a cheque drawn on a local bank or a bank with a local branch if you accept payment by cheque. You can visit that bank branch to determine if the cheque is legitimate. Never agree to wire funds back to a buyer. Resist pressure to “act now.” A legitimate buyer will not pressure you to wire funds back and you have limited recourse if there is a problem with a wire transfer. Be sure to verify any service the buyer wants you to use to ensure its reliability; if you do not feel comfortable with the service, do not use it. Consider an alternative method of payment, such as an escrow service or online payment service. Talk to your bank about the safest way to receive funds from overseas. Report Cheque Overpayment Fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP.
Counterfeit Money Built-In Security Features of Canadian Banknotes All five denominations ($5, $10, $20, $50, and $100) in the Canadian Journey series, which are the bills with the metallic stripe, have the same security features built into them. These features include: raised ink on the front of the bill; the metallic stripe on the front of the bill; the security thread (dashes) on the back of the bill; the ghost image, or watermark, on both sides of the bill (this image is the same as the larger portrait on the bill); the puzzle number on both sides of the bill.
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Older series of bills make use of other security features such as: micro printing that stays clear and sharp; sharp, well-defined lines in the portrait and in the background patterns; UV (fluorescence); security patch (Optical Security Device or OSD); green dots (planchettes).
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Counterfeit Money: If you are handed an older-style bill (bills without a metallic stripe) and you do not know how to check it, ask the person for a bill from the new and more secure Canadian Journey series. If you suspect counterfeit money, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP. Refer to the Bank of Canada website (www.bankofcanada.ca) for additional information on security features.
Reference: Bank of Canada booklet Check to Protect: Your Guide on How to Check Bank Notes Using TiLL.
Dead-Air Calls Dead-air Calls occur when the consumer answers the phone after it rings but no one is there. This may mean you are receiving calls from an automatic dialer that logs the time the phone is answered.
Telemarketers use this information to indicate when a person will be at that number to answer the phone, and will try calling again at the same time in the hope that someone will answer.
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SCAMS AND FRAUDS
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Dead-Air Calls: With call display, the consumer can choose not to answer the phone if it looks like a number he/she does not recognize. Without call display, if the consumer answers the phone and it appears to be a dead-air call, hang up! Report Dead-Air Calls to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Emergency (Grandparent) Fraud This particular fraud is very common and highly likely. It has been used successfully by con artists in Saskatchewan. Playing on the victim’s emotions, the con artist portrays someone who is crying and extremely upset.
Con artists contact potential victims while posing as a family member or friend in urgent need of cash. Often the scenario involves an accident or arrest while traveling abroad. The con artist requests that cash be forwarded to him/her through a money transfer company such as Western Union or Money Gram. This fraud is predominantly directed toward grandparents, but variations of the fraud also use an old neighbor, a friend of the family, etc.
There may be multiple contacts between the con artist(s) and the victim to solicit funds for various reasons. Two common variations used with this fraud are as follows:
Emergency Fraud (variation 1) In the typical scenario, a grandparent receives a phone call from a con artist who claims to be one of his/her grandchildren. The caller says they are in some kind of trouble, usually involving a car accident, returning from a foreign country, or needing bail money immediately. The victim (grandparent) wants to help his/her grandchild and sends money by a money transfer company such as Money Gram or Western Union. The victims do not verify the story until after the money has been sent as the caller specifically asks them not to tell anyone.
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SCAMS AND FRAUDS
Emergency Fraud (variation 2) In this variation, compromised contact lists from hijacked email accounts are used to send the potential victim an “urgent” email request for money from a friend or relative with whom they have a correspondence. Common themes continue to be hospitalization or imprisonment while away from home. The victims do not verify the story until after the money has been sent because the caller specifically asks them not to tell anyone. The friend is unaware that their email account has been used to send out these requests to everyone on their contact list.
A typical emergency fraud call might go like this: Con artist: Hi, Grandma/Grandpa. Victim: Hi. Con artist: Do you know who this is? Victim: John? Con artist: Yes, Grandma. Can you please help me? I am in jail /in the hospital/in some type of financial need. But do not tell Dad. He would be very upset with me if he found out. Please send the money as soon as possible. I am so scared and feel so alone here.
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Emergency Fraud: Know if any family members or friends are traveling. Remain calm—the con artist is counting on you being upset in order for this fraud to work. Determine who the caller is allegedly portraying, hang up, then call the person or their family to verify if the portrayed person is traveling or in trouble. Contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP. Notify the Better Business Bureau.
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SCAMS AND FRAUDS
False Charities False charities often use names that are very close to the names of legitimate and respected charities. The end of the year is the peak season for charity appeals. It also is the peak season for the false charity appeals.
False charities may use pressure or threats to get you to contribute immediately. They may phone to thank you for a pledge you do not remember making, or use a copycat name or a name that might be misleading or deceiving (i.e. a name that is very similar to a legitimate charity). Remember, on an incoming call, a person could be misrepresenting a legitimate charity.
Make a Plan for Handling All Charitable Requests Make a plan and stick to it. Decide at the beginning of each year which charities you can afford to donate to and send your cheques directly to their head offices. When approached by other charities, say that you have already donated to charities of your choice for the current year. Indicate whether or not you will consider their appeal the following year. If you will, request that they send you information directly in the mail. You can make out a cheque payable to the charity if you wish once the written information comes to you.
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About False Charities: Never give your personal or financial information to anyone over the phone, at the door, or in an email unless you initiated the call or the meeting. Never send financial information by email because it is not secure. Ask the charity to give you their charitable tax number. Contact Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-267-2384 or go to the charity’s website to determine if the charity is registered. Question any discrepancies between what the charity gives you and what Canada Revenue Agency gives you. Find the charity’s phone number in the phone book and call the charity directly—do not use the number the charity gives you. Ask the charity if they know about, and have authorized, the appeal.
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SCAMS AND FRAUDS
What You Can Do About False Charities Con’t: Also ask what percentage of your donation they receive (legitimate charities will provide you with this information). Perhaps there is a better way to give, where 100% of your donation will reach the charity. If you think the charity is bogus, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP. Notify the Better Business Bureau.
Handyman Fraud A contractor/handyman comes to the door indicating that he/she just happens to be working in the neighbourhood. The contractor notices that something needs to be done to your house and offers to give you a good deal (e.g. left-over shingles from a previous job that he/she can sell at a fraction of the price). If the customer agrees, the contractor requests a large deposit in cash to hold the material until he/she can get the job done. Either the contractor leaves and never returns, or does such a poor job that the job has to be redone.
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Handyman Fraud: Contact at least three contractors to get quotes for work you want done; do not accept work from anyone who shows up at your door unless you have contacted them. Do not pay a large deposit. Contractors will generally request an amount up-front, perhaps 10% to 15 % of the total cost, to purchase material. The rest of the payments are made at agreed-upon intervals once specific portions of the job have been completed. Never make a final payment until work is done to your satisfaction and do not pay for the job if the work is shoddy. If you suspect fraud, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre information is used to assist law enforcement agencies in possible investigations. Notify the Better Business Bureau.
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Identity Theft This part includes: what identity theft is; signs your identity is being used; how con artists get information on potential victims; how con artists use the information on potential victims; what you can do about identity theft; what to do if victimized by identity theft; minimize your risk of identity theft; Canadian Credit Rating Agencies – contact information.
What Identity Theft Is Identity theft occurs when a person has used your name and personal information to open an account or order an additional credit card to commit fraud.
Signs Your Identity Is Being Used Signs that indicate your identity is being used include: a creditor informs you that an application for credit (for which you did not apply) was received with your name and address; telephone calls or letters state that you have been approved or denied credit by a creditor to whom you never applied; you receive credit card statements or other bills in your name for services that you did not apply for; you no longer receive credit card statements or you notice that not all of your mail is delivered; a collection agency informs you they are collecting for a defaulted account established with your identity—an account you never opened.
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How Con Artists Get Information On Potential Victims The skilled con artist has the ability to collate and combine information from several sources to plan an approach to specific potential victims. Some of these sources are: ATM skimmers. Devices are attached to the real ATM card readers that capture your PIN and account numbers. Cameras. Cameras are installed to watch as you enter your PIN to access your account. Credit card theft. A thief steals the victim’s credit card, credit card statements, or credit renewal card. Free draw ballots at shows. After the winner is drawn, the remaining cards (with personal information) may be sold to a marketing company. Government statistics. Ethnic composition, percentage of seniors, or single residents, as well as other information, can be found by the diligent researcher. Con artists can even target a neighbourhood based on property values. Illegal sources. Some criminals can seduce, bribe, or intimidate workers who have access to privileged or personal records and data banks to search and provide information on potential victims. Internet searches. A skilled researcher can gain a wealth of comprehensive information from a powerful search engine alone. In some respects, the internet can provide so much information that the con artist’s problem may be to filter out the information that is not needed, rather than to find useful items for the fraud or scam. Mailbox and dumpster diving. A thief goes through the victim’s mailbox, trash or the trash of a business looking for personal information found on items such as old bills or credit card application forms that have been thrown in the dumpster.
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Marketing companies. These companies legitimately collect and sell information about consumers, including retirement status, address, income, and phone number. Obituaries. Obituaries not only give the names of people who are bereaved but also list relationships, marital status, the mother’s maiden name and even backgrounds, areas of interest, and associations, all of which may be exploited by a con artist. Phishing. Con artists may attempt to get personal information by sending an email with a link to a page that resembles a banking page but is actually a page where they can collect your personal information. Potential victim, neighbours, and friends. We often give information about ourselves, our families, our relatives, and perhaps our neighbours and friends without realizing it. Questionnaires or product registration cards. These questionnaires or cards gives others access to some personal information. Shoulder surfing. A thief uses observation, such as looking over the victim’s shoulder when: o the victim is entering his/her personal identification number (PIN); o entering computer passwords in a public location; o filling out a form that asks for personal information. Telephone numbers and other directories. Many directories include addresses and postal codes, some have reverse directories to help trace numbers, and some business directories contain information on types of occupancy. Tricking you. Con artists can pretend to be a close or long-lost relative and effectively pry personal information out of you.
How Con Artists Use Information On Potential Victims Con artists use the information to: steal the potential victim’s identity; obtain credit; access the potential victim’s bank accounts to retrieve money; apply for mortgages and other credit; play on the potential victim’s sympathies (i.e. they can pretend they are a long-lost relative)
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PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Identity Theft Protect your bank and credit cards by shielding the keypad when entering your PIN (personal identification number), checking your statement for questionable charges, keeping your cards separate from your wallet, and reporting missing cards as soon as you discover the card is gone. Never use email to send personal financial information such as your chequing account number, credit card number, or social insurance number. Use a fax, postal mail, or phone but only if you initiate the call. Always go to the bank to change your personal banking information. Don’t use a public access computer when making online purchases or checking your bank balance online in case a thief has installed a keystroke logger to capture usernames and passwords of website accounts. Avoid using the “remember username and password” option on your browser if others have access to your computer. Record and safely store your identification by photocopying or recording all numbers on your various pieces of identification and keeping them stored in a safety deposit box or other safe location. If your identity or cards are stolen, it will be easier to get the cards cancelled. Identification that should be recorded includes your birth certificate, social insurance number, all credit cards (bank and other card issuers), all ATM cards, passport, and any other important pieces of identification.
Excerpted from “Protect Your Identity” by Terry McBride for Postmedia News, Regina Leader Post, August 10, 2010.
What To Do If Victimized By Identity Theft If you have been victimized by identity theft: Immediately report the incident to the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP and ask for an incident or report number. If you suspect fraud, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Be prepared to fill out affidavits (sworn statements) to establish your innocence (see antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca for assistance).
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Immediately notify banks, recipients of stolen cheques and credit grantors of any theft. Obtain new accounts, ATM cards, credit cards, cheques, and passwords (do not reuse old passwords) for banking services. Note: Financial institutions are often joint victims and may also suffer financial losses. For a stolen social insurance (SIN) card, contact Human Resources Development Canada. For a stolen driver’s licence, contact the Motor Vehicle Branch. For missing mail, contact Canada Post; for missing credit card statements, contact the credit card provider. Get a locked mailbox from the hardware store. When contacting people regarding identity theft: o include the police incident or report number in your detailed records; o keep detailed records of all conversations and correspondence including names, dates, and what was said; o notify the two Canadian Credit Rating Agencies (Equifax and Trans Union Canada) initially by phone to obtain a copy of your credit report and to request a “fraud alert” be placed in your files. Follow up your phone request in writing.
Minimize Your Risk Of Identity Theft By: Not revealing any personal identifying information before finding out how it will be used and if it will be shared. Paying attention to your billing cycles and following up with creditors if your bills do not arrive on time. Depositing outgoing mail in post office collection boxes or at your local post office. Promptly removing mail from your mailbox after delivery.
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Forwarding or re-routing your mail if you move or change your mailing address. Using passwords on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts. Do not use easily available information such as: o your mother’s maiden name; o your birth date; o the last four digits of your SIN (social insurance number); o the last four digits of your phone number. Minimizing the identification information and number of cards you carry. Not giving out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the internet unless you have initiated the contact or know with whom you are dealing. Keeping items with personal information in a safe place. Shred or tear receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, and credit offers you get in the mail that you do not require. Only giving out your SIN when it is required to report income (such as to an employer, etc.). Ask to use other forms of identification when possible. Not carrying your SIN card, passport, or birth certificate with you unless necessary; leave them in a secure place.
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PROTECT YOURSELF
Canadian Credit Rating Agencies–Contact Information Every six months to a year, check your credit rating to ensure that no errors are present in your credit and that no charges have been incurred by someone else. By checking your credit on a regular basis, you will be able to detect identity theft faster. You can contact the appropriate Canadian Credit Rating Agencies or subscribe to their credit and identity theft monitoring services at:
Equifax TransUnion Canada TransUnion Canada National Consumer (all provinces except (Quebec residents only) Relations Quebec) Centre De Relations Aux P.O. Box 190, TransUnion Consumer Consommateurs Station Jean-Talon Relations Department TransUnion Montreal, Quebec P.O. Box 338, LCD1 CP 1433 H1S 2Z2 Hamilton, Ontario SUCC St. Martin L8L 7W2 Laval, Quebec H7V 3P7 Tel: (866) 828-5961 Tel: (800) 663-9980 Tel: (877) 713-3393 Fax: (514) 355-8502 (514) 335-0374 www.equifax.ca www.transunion.ca www.transunion.ca
Note: You are entitled to one free credit file disclosure (does not include your credit score, which will cost extra) per year. You can obtain your free disclosure by downloading the forms from the appropriate website, completing them, and mailing them with copies of identification to the addresses listed above.
Some forms of CAA membership include monitoring through Equifax.
Internet Dating/CatPhishing Fraud Internet dating has become quite popular in the last few years. However, you need to be cautious when looking for a partner online. You can be taken advantage of by trusting someone you should not or, worse, find yourself in physical danger.
Watch for these common red flags of internet dating fraud: Emails from another country. People cannot spend time with you if they do not live a reasonable distance away.
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SCAMS AND FRAUDS
Claims of love. Daters who are looking for a meaningful relationship do not do this type of thing. Requests for money. Con artists will lure potential victims by making claims of being very wealthy or successful and promising them the world. They may say that they’ve come into some sort of hardship and require money while working or living in another country. They will play upon the victim’s sympathies by requesting cash through a money transfer company or they may try to get personal information. Pushing boundaries too far and too fast. Con artists will want to bypass the security email system that a reputable site has in place by emailing you directly or phoning you directly. Refusal to meet. Con artists make frequent excuses for not meeting or conversing in a face-face-to-face conversation (e.g. Skype or Facetime).
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Internet Dating Scams: Never send large sums of money to strangers. Ignore emails from someone hundreds of miles away or outside your country. Responding in any way only encourages further contact. Tell your online match that he or she is moving too fast and you need time to get to know them. Delete emails and block profiles of any online match who asks questions that have nothing to do with normal dating talk. Use the security email system until you get to know your online match. Never give out your last name, address, or real email address before you get to know the person. Never allow feelings of flattery, loneliness, or sympathy to make you do something you do not feel right about doing. Most content about Computer Dating Fraud is copyright of Cherie Burbach, used with her permission. Lowering Credit Card Rates Fraud Callers say they represent national credit card firms such as Visa and MasterCard. They indicate it is the last chance to lower your credit card rate. Calls usually come in as an urgent voice recording and you must dial “9” to reach a live person. Those who buy into the scheme end up paying $695 US on average for an information package.
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SCAMS AND FRAUDS
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About The Lowering Credit Card Rate Schemes: Know that someone cannot represent both Visa and MasterCard at the same time. Do not respond to the calls—if you do, the caller will know what time to contact you. If you do respond to the call, do not give out any personal information. If you have responded to the scheme, return the package by registered mail along with a letter requesting a full refund. If the package never arrives, go directly to your credit card company and complain if a charge appears on your credit card account. Report the cheaper rates scheme to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP. Excerpted from “Cheaper Rates a Scam” by Barb Pacholik, Regina Sun Community News, July 26, 2009, page 38.
Medical Cures Fraud
Promotions for medical cures can be found on the internet, in newspapers, in magazine ads, and in TV infomercials. Products may be sold in stores, on the internet, or through mail-order catalogs. Generally, these cures are passed on to friends and acquaintances by word of mouth.
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SCAMS AND FRAUDS
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Medical Cures Fraud: Beware of medical cures that are touted to be good for many unrelated diseases. Only accept medical advice on the internet from reliable sources such as the Public Health Agency of Canada (www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/) or the Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com) Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making changes to your medications. Report the Medical Cures Fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP. Notify the Better Business Bureau.
Phishing Phishing involves the creation of email messages and web pages that are replicas of existing legitimate sites and businesses. These web sites and emails are used to trick users into submitting personal, financial, or password data. For example, some con artist may “phish” for information by sending victims an email with a link to what appears to be the victim’s bank’s website. The con artist has copied the bank website look and feel so that it looks real but it is not. The web page is only there to get the victim to give up his or her personal banking information to the con artist.
Phishing sites often ask for information such as credit card numbers, bank account information, social insurance numbers, and passwords that will be used to commit fraud. They lead consumers to believe that a request for information is coming from a legitimate company. In reality it is a malicious attempt to collect customer information for the purpose of committing fraud.
Note: Some con artists will also try to get your personal information by telephone.
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PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Phishing: Protect your computer with anti-virus software, spy ware filters, email filters, and firewall programs. Contact the financial institution immediately and report your suspicions. Do not reply to any email that requests your personal information. Look for misspelled words to indicate the site is bogus. Do not give out your personal information unless you initiated the call (in the case of telephone contact). Do not let con artists talk on the phone—do not provide any answers to their questions. If you suspect fraud, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP. Notify the Better Business Bureau
Example of Phishing Email The following email is an example of someone trying to get personal information from someone.
Dear
It appears that your online banking account needs to be updated to quickly benefit from our added security features. Please log in to your account and update all your Security Questions & Features by clicking on the link below. https://easyweb.bankname.com
Failure to do so could lead to your account being compromised and not being covered by our online security guarantee. We urge you to update your security
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SCAMS AND FRAUDS features immediately. Please review our terms & conditions for more details. Thank you for cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely, Jarrett Lilien Security Department.
***This is an automated message, please do not reply***
Result of Clicking On the Website Link By clicking on the link, a secure computer should show you the following information or something similar:
Result of Clicking On the Name “Jarrett Lilien” Jarrett Lilien’s name contains a hyperlink to a photo of a real person in the financial industry—that does not mean that he actually authored this letter or that the letter is actually legitimate.
Just because the letter sounds important and legitimate, does not mean that it is.
Important: No financial institution will contact you by email or telephone to update your banking security features. If you receive a phone call or email such as the example given, please contact your bank immediately.
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SCAMS AND FRAUDS
Phone Number Spoofing Companies use fictitious numbers to call customers. The person being called must have Caller ID in order to view the number calling. What the customer sees with Caller ID is not the true number of the company. For example, a mass marketer may use the spoofed numbers 123-456-7890 or 100-000-0000 instead of a legitimate telephone number to discourage customers from calling them back. The customer will have no idea who is calling unless they answer the phone.
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Number Spoofing: Do not answer the call (it is probably a mass-marketing call anyway) and report the call to the telephone company.
Phony Bank Inspector The phony bank inspector approaches a customer just outside the banking location or on the telephone and asks for help in catching a bank teller who he/she suspects is replacing real money with counterfeit money. When the customer offers to help, the phony bank inspector asks the customer to withdraw a large amount of money and bring it to him/her so that he/she can check if the money is counterfeit. When the customer returns with money, the phony bank inspector checks the money, determines that it is counterfeit, and seizes it as evidence. The phony bank inspector guarantees that the bank will reimburse the customer and give them a small reward for catching the teller.
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About the Phony Bank Inspector You should never withdraw money to give to someone on the street or to give to someone who calls and claims to be a bank inspector. Bank inspectors will not elicit your help in catching a bank teller—they will involve the police or other security personnel. If you suspect fraud, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP.
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SCAMS AND FRAUDS
Ponzi/Pyramid Schemes Ponzi Schemes pay returns to investors from other investors rather than from a profit earned. They usually offer short- term returns that are quite high that other investments cannot guarantee.
In Pyramid Schemes, money is exchanged mainly for enrolling other people into the scheme; often a product or service is not included. No new money is created, therefore, investors who get in early take their profits from investors who join later. At some point, no new investors can be found and the investors at the bottom of the pyramid lose their money.
Note: It may be a friend, relative, or immediate family member who asks you to invest your money—be sure to get all the facts before investing with them. References: www.wikipedia.org
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Ponzi/Pyramid Schemes
Before you invest any money: Get all the facts about the company, its officers, and its products. Get written copies of the company’s marketing plan, sales literature, contracts, and prospectus (a legal document that gives prospective investors information about the company). Avoid promoters who fail to clearly explain their plans. Have a lawyer or accountant explain anything you do not understand. Find out if there is a demand for the product, or if there are similar products on the market. Be wary of investments with very high and/or consistent returns. Remember that the greater the promised return, the greater the risk. Report investment fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP. Notify the Better Business Bureau.
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SCAMS AND FRAUDS
Prize Pitch/Recovery Pitch Fraud Prize Pitch: Consumers are told they have been specially selected to win a prize, or have been awarded “one of three” or “two of five” prizes; however, you must purchase a product and pay in advance to receive your prize.
The prizes, which are generally cheap or overpriced, may sound valuable over the phone, or appear valuable by mail or email. These prizes usually include cash, a vehicle, coin collections, personalized pen sets, etc.
Recovery Pitch: The Recovery Pitch Fraud is related to the Prize Pitch. If you bought into any of the Prize Pitch schemes, you are likely to be called again by someone promising to get your money back for you.
Recovery Pitch Example 1 A caller claiming to be a law enforcement officer tells you that money has been seized and that their records indicate that you have lost money to the company or companies. They will help you recover the money you have lost for a small fee.
Recovery Pitch Example 2 The caller may claim he/she has bought out a particular company that promised you prizes that were never sent to you. They are an honest company and they are eager to get those prizes out to you if you pay some related costs.
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Prize or Recovery Pitch Fraud Know that in a legitimate contest, you do not have to purchase a product to qualify for a prize. Question what the con artist is telling you. If this was a mailed piece, destroy any information with your name and address on it and recycle the rest of the paper; if this came by email, delete the email. If this was a phone call, hang up the phone. Report the prize or recovery pitch fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP. Notify the Better Business Bureau.
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Sweepstakes Fraud The consumer enters a fake sweepstakes contest through the mail. Within two to four weeks, the consumer receives a call from a fraudulent telemarketer usually identifying themselves as a lawyer, judge, customs agent, or other official and acting as an agent for a particular company. The consumer is told that they have won a large cash award but money must be sent up front for taxes, etc.
Note: This can also be a scam when people send money to get their prize and the prize is of less value than they expected.
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Sweepstakes Fraud Shred any part of the sweepstakes contest information that has your name and address on it and do not respond to the contest. Report the Sweepstakes Fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP. Notify the Better Business Bureau.
Travel/Vacation Fraud Consumers who fill out ballots at home, boat, or auto shows to win a vacation may be set up for “suckers" lists. Shortly after filling out this ballot, you may receive an unsolicited phone call by someone claiming to offer you a “free” or “low cost” vacation. They will ask for your credit card number and personal information in order to hold the vacation for you, or they may request money in advance. Some of the solicitations are valid; some are not. Some offers may be subject to you entering into a timeshare agreement while others offer a high-end vacation but reserve the right to change the location subject to availability. Note: This particular fraud can also be a scam. If you pay money and get a trip (but it is not what you want or expect), it is a scam. If you pay money and don’t get a trip, then it is fraud.
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PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Travel Fraud Research the company with the Better Business Bureau and other sources from the internet and check out the value of these promises by seeking the advice of a legitimate travel agency in your area. Be suspicious of the offer if you have not requested information and remember, if it is a prize, you do not have to pay for it. Do not let anyone pressure you into committing to any agreement over the phone—if it is a deal, it will be available again. Do not give out your credit card information over the phone unless you initiated the call and know who is on the other end; if you have provided credit card information, most companies have policies that allow you to cancel your reservation within 30 days. Terminate the call as soon as you hear the recorded announcement. Report the travel/vacation fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP.
Utility Company Identification Fraud Someone dressed as a utility company service person arrives at the customer’s door requesting entrance to service company equipment. The service person shows the customer their company identification card and the customer lets them in. They may be casing your home for a future break-in or they may locate your purse, steal it, and run out.
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Utility Company Identification Fraud Contact the utility company to see if someone from their company is working in your neighbourhood and verify the person’s identification with the utility company. Do not let anyone into your home unless you are sure they are who they claim to be. If you suspect fraud, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP.
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Vehicle Sales Fraud (Cars, Trucks, Trailers) Con artists advertise vehicle sales in newspapers, bargain magazines, and legitimate on-line sites such as Kijiji, auto-trader, or Craig’s List. They list the vehicles in good condition for an unbelievably low price and may mock or spoof the use of online payment companies such as EBay, Pay Pal, and Yahoo. They require the use of a money-transfer company like Western Union or Money Gram.
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Vehicle Sales Fraud Know who you are dealing with. Independently confirm your seller’s name, street address, and telephone number. Beware of out-of-country sellers and use your computer to research your potential purchase. Resist the pressure to “act now”. Question if the car, truck, or trailer is too good of a deal. Is it reasonable for a person to sell a high-end vehicle for so little money? Beware of the many excuses the con artist uses such as the vehicle was an inheritance, this is an emergency “sell off” to pay for medical expenses, this is a divorce situation, or the new owner does not drive. Never agree to wire funds to a seller; a legitimate seller will not pressure you to only use a money-transfer company. If the seller wants to use a service you have not heard of, be sure to check out its reliability. Beware of con artists using free email addresses (such as hotmail.com, gmail.com, google.com, yahoo.com, rocketmail.com, or msn.com) to hide behind. If you suspect Vehicle Sales Fraud, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP. Notify the Better Business Bureau.
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Vehicle Warranty Fraud If you have received an unsolicited telephone call or card in the mail regarding vehicle warranty, you should use the “buyer beware” philosophy which means the goods must be accepted “as is.”
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Vehicle Warranty Frauds Do you already have an existing warranty? If you do not know, check with your car dealership to see if you already have an existing warranty. If you do have an existing warranty, do you really need another one? Consider how the offer is worded, if it makes sense, and if it is realistic. Research the vehicle warranty on the internet and contact the Better Business Bureau to determine if the company is legitimate. If you suspect fraud, report the Vehicle Warranty Fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP.
Alert
Use the ALERT method to prevent fraud:
A Ask questions;
L Listen carefully;
E Educate yourself;
R Refuse to be pressured;
T Tell someone or the authorities.
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CYBER SECURITY RISKS
Cyber Security Risks
Whether you're banking online, connecting with friends, sending emails, or checking out the real estate market in your area, the Internet has become an essential part of everyday life.
What you may not know is that this amazing resource is also a breeding ground for criminal activity – where your every move can be monitored and your information compromised.
But if you take the time to learn about the common threats and risks, online security and protecting yourself can be easy.
Online Activities Common Threats Email Botnets Banking Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) Social Networking Hacking Online Shopping Malware Online Gaming Pharming Downloading and File Sharing Phishing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Ransomware Spam Spoofing Spyware Trojan Horses and other Viruses WiFi Eavesdropping Worms
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will I know if my computer is infected? A: Unfortunately, you likely won't know until something happens. Sometimes it's more obvious, with your computer completely shutting down, but often it's subtle and you won't realize it's infected. If your computer is running slowly or acting strangely, it might be a good idea to take it to an expert for a checkup.
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CYBER SECURITY RISKS
Here are a few other clues to watch for: Pop-up ads that appear as soon as you turn on your computer A homepage that you didn't set comes up when you turn on your computer Toolbars you don't recognize and are difficult to remove Programs you use all the time are repeatedly crashing
Q. What can I do if my computer is infected? A. Disconnect from the Internet. This will help keep attackers and viruses away while preventing them from compromising your personal information and files or using your computer to pass it on.
Update your anti-virus software. You will want to do a manual scan of your entire system as soon as possible to locate and remove the infection. Lastly, install all of the appropriate patches to fix any known vulnerabilities to ensure your online safety. Patches (also referred to as an upgrade) can be downloaded directly from the vendor's website.
Q. How do I find out if my computer has enough protection? A. While most computers come with trial versions of an anti-virus software, a firewall and anti-spy software, after a certain length of time you will need to purchase them or replace them with an alternate software in order to stay protected. Don't ignore updates when prompted on your computer, but make sure they come from your anti-virus software or operating system. If you're not sure, take your computer to an expert and have them install all of the above.
Q. Will a cybercriminal really get my information? A. Even if you don't think you've shared a lot online that would attract a cybercriminal, or you believe you've done enough to protect yourself, Internet security should still be a priority.
Excerpted from the Government of Canada’s Get Cyber Safe website.
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CYBER SECURITY RISKS
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Cybercriminals It isn't personal. Attackers will try to get information from anyone. It takes far less time to install the proper anti-virus and anti-spyware software than it does to sort out the problems resulting from identity theft and computer hacking. Anti-virus software doesn't mean you're fully protected. You should have anti-spyware installed as well. Don't assume that your insurance policy necessarily covers losses due to a computer virus or security incident. Viruses don't only come from emails. They can come from infected disks, programs you've installed or right from the Internet from files you have downloaded. Your bank or credit card won't always cover losses, unless you can prove the charges are fraudulent. Find out how to do this. There is nothing patrolling the Internet to ensure you're kept safe from cyber criminals. All of us need to take personal responsibility for protecting ourselves. Do not assume that your Internet service provider is taking steps to protect you. Take the time to find out what services are available to enhance your protection online. Any computer or mobile device can be vulnerable, regardless of the type of operating system. Don't make the mistake of feeling invincible.
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SAFETY
Safety
Older Adult Neglect and Abuse Abuse can be a hard word to accept. People from all walks of life have found themselves in abusive relationships—it can happen to anyone. Everyone has the right to be safe and free from abuse. No one should experience abuse. “It’s Not Right!”
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Abuse Tell someone you trust about the abuse. Choose individuals who will respect your decisions and who can listen without telling you what to do. You might want to ask them to just listen so that they don’t feel pressure to solve the problem for you. You may need to plan some next steps. Those steps should be realistic. You are the expert in your own life and the best person to decide what you can do to set limits and to increase your safety. If you are afraid the situation will get worse, make a safety plan that includes where you can go in an emergency and what you will take with you. Think about where you will stay and how you will get there. Consult a lawyer or legal service about your rights and options (your local seniors’ organization can help you find a lawyer or service). Keep track of your financial statements and other legal documents. Talk to your bank about how to protect your assets. Visit your local library, health or community centre to find out information about other services that are available to support you. If you live with the abusive person and want to look for services on your home computer, be sure to cover your tracks by erasing the history. If you are in danger, call 911 or the local police.
Additionally, there are some things that you can do about your physical and emotional well-being: Know your rights—everyone has the right to be safe and free from harm at home and in the community.
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SAFETY
Stay in regular contact with people who support you and respect your decisions. If you are often alone, make the effort to connect with someone you care about and talk about how you can become more involved in your community. There are seniors’ organizations in many communities that offer activities and events where you can meet people. Reach out to other seniors who may be alone. Thinking of others is a good way to make a contribution to the whole community. Involve yourself in meaningful activities that give you enjoyment, strength and comfort. Go on outings with friends, volunteer, attend church, join a gym, or visit your neighbours. Stay physically active. Eat regularly and well. If you feel depressed and have no one to talk with, seek support from a friend, your minister, priest, faith leader, or from social service agencies in your community. You don’t have to be alone with problems. There is no shame in asking for help. Excerpted from the Government of Canada’s What You Can Do to Keep Yourself Safe from Abuse brochure.
Home Safety Most people feel safe in their own home, however, many do not take the required precautions to secure their homes against break-ins and unlawful entry.
PROTECT YOURSELF
What You Can Do About Home Security Conduct security checks to determine where weaknesses or points of entry may exist. Ensure entrances are well lit. Install good locks and always use them. Never open your door to strangers. Change your routine as burglars often monitor their targets prior to a break-in. Mark valuables for easy identification.
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SAFETY
Home Fall Prevention
Whether it is enjoying the summer out at the lake or working on a hobby at home, we all strive to lead full, independent lives doing the things we enjoy with the people we love. An important part of maintaining that independence is ensuring we have a safe living environment to reduce the risk of injury. Research has shown that slips, trips and falls cause the most incidents around the home. Because of this, the Saskatchewan Safety Council has dedicated itself to researching resources on fall prevention and providing them to you here.
Saskatchewan Safety Council Fall Prevention Checklist:
Living Room & Bedroom Do your floor rugs and mats have non-skid backing on them? Install non-skid backing on them to prevent them from sliding when they are being walked on.
Do you have emergency lighting in the living room? It is extremely difficult to get around when the power goes out, especially at night. Keep a flashlight in an easy to find spot and install rechargeable, motion-sensing lights.
Are there clear walking paths to the exits? Furniture should be arranged so it is easy to navigate around the room, especially in the dark.
Are your traffic areas clear of wires and cables? Use a cord protector to cover wires that run through high traffic areas. Switch to a cordless telephone to reduce loose wires. Move lamps and other devices closer to plug-ins so the cords do not need to stretch or lie across high traffic areas.
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SAFETY
Basement & Laundry Is your laundry room organized? Place a non-slip mat in front of your washing machine to prevent slipping on water. Have a table where you can set your laundry basket for easy lifting and clothing transfer. Ensure that water flows naturally towards the floor drain. Call a professional immediately if you notice pools of water. Many laundry rooms are in storage areas or furnace rooms with open piping and wires. Make sure you can navigate the room safely while carrying your laundry items.
Additional basement fall prevention tips: You should always be able to walk to your breaker box, furnace, and other appliances without any obstructions in the way. Do not place objects at the bottom of the basement stairs.
Stairs & Hallways Are your stairways and hallways well lit? Install a light switch at the top and bottom of each stairway so you are never using the stairs in the dark. Keep a flashlight near the stairs to help you see at night and during emergencies.
Do your stairs provide proper walking support? Install hand rails on both sides of the stairway. Have a professional install them to ensure they are the correct height and properly secured. Place non-slip stair treads on wood and laminate stairs.
Are your stairs in good condition? If your stairs squeak, bend, or feel loose when you walk on them, call a professional to inspect them and make any necessary repairs.
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SAFETY
Are your stairways and hallways free of hazards? Never place items at the top or bottom of stairways or on any steps. Hallways should always be free of clutter. If you have rugs in your hallway, install non-skid backing on them to prevent them from sliding. Never carry more than you can handle up or down stairs.
Bathroom Is your bathtub and/or shower equipped for fall prevention? Place a non-slip bath mat on the floor of your bathtub/shower. It should run the length of the surface. Install a grab bar in a place that helps you get in and out of the bathtub. Make sure they are secured into wall studs. Use a shower organizer to help organize soaps, shampoos and other bath products. This will avoid bending over to reach them. If you have mobility problems, consider using a safety chair in the bathtub. If you do, consult a physician and/or a mobility specialty store in order to help you pick the right chair.
Does your bathroom have proper lighting? Install a rechargeable motion-sensing light to help you see at night or during a power outage.
Additional bathroom fall prevention tips: If you experience problems getting up from the toilet, consider an adjustable seat or a wall-mounted toilet that can be hung at any height. Place a non-slip mat outside the bathtub and in front of the vanity to contain any spilled water. Make sure you are completely dry before leaving the bathroom. Tracking water into other rooms greatly increases fall risks.
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SAFETY
Kitchen Are your kitchen items properly stored? Place your most used pots, pans, plates, etc. in cupboards and on shelves that are at or near chest level to make them easily accessible. Keep your large, heavy items in lower cupboards and lighter items in higher ones. This makes it easier on your back and large items will not fall on you if you lose your grip (remember: always lift with your legs).
Are your cupboards and drawers in good working condition? Fix any cupboard doors and drawers that do not open and/or close properly. If possible, renovate your cabinet doors and drawers with ability to soft- close. This helps close them the last few inches if you don’t push hard enough.
Is there enough lighting in your kitchen? Kitchens are full of dangerous objects that can harm you if you fall. Make sure your light is strong enough to illuminate all areas of the floor.
Additional kitchen fall prevention tips: Keep a CSA approved step stool in the kitchen and use it to reach high places. Never use a chair or pull yourself up on to the counter. Place a non-slip mat in front of your kitchen sink to trap spilled liquids. Use a long-handled mop to clean up spills. This will give you more stability and you will avoid walking in the spill.
Outside the Home Are walkways clear of objects and in good condition? Put all yard tools back in their proper storage when finished with them. Keep garden hoses rolled up. Remove snow as soon as possible to prevent ice build-up and keep ice melt at each doorway for easy access. Have cracks and/or broken portions of walkways repaired.
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SAFETY
Is your garage organized and clutter-free? Store tools off the floor and out of the main walk paths. Store heavy objects on lower shelves. Install additional lighting that is motion sensing or automatically come on when the garage door opens.
Additional outside-the-home fall prevention tips: Cut your grass on a regular basis. Tall grass can hide trip hazards. Ensure walkways to your front and back door are properly lit. Solar lights are a great solution. Use cordless mowers and garden tools to avoid running an extension cord around the yard.
General Know your limits. Over-stretching to grab something off a shelf or lifting an object that is too heavy greatly increases your risk of a fall. Exercise regularly. It will help keep your muscles strong, which is key to maintaining balance and coordination. Have your vision checked at least once per year. Poor vision greatly increases your risk of falling. If you aren’t feeling well, take extra time to do your tasks throughout the day and rest whenever you need to.
Understand your health. If you have a medical condition that makes you more prone to falls, consider wearing an emergency alarm device. Talk with your pharmacist to understand prescription and over-the-counter medication side effects. Take extra precautions with ones that make you sleepy or dizzy. If you have mobility problems, talk to your doctor about mobility aids such as canes, rollators, and stair lifts.
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SAFETY
Miscellaneous If you have to run power cords a long distance or you need to use an extension cord, have an additional electrical outlet installed near the objects instead. Keep items away from main entrances to ensure ease of access both in and out. This will also ensure emergency first responders can get to you quickly if needed. If you aren’t getting enough light, increase the wattage of your light bulb if the fixture supports it or install a new fixture that can. Always use a step-ladder to change a light bulb. Ask for assistance if you can’t safely reach the fixture. Vacuum on a regular basis to keep from stepping on small and/or sharp objects such as pins or broken glass. Keep a list of the following emergency numbers near each of your phones: ◦Doctor ◦Immediate family members ◦Fire and Police department ◦Healthline 8-1-1 If you have an immediate emergency, DIAL 9-1-1
If you find a hazard that requires a professional to repair, the Government of Saskatchewan's Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority, Consumer Protection Division has a guide for hiring a contractor. The information in this guide will help you choose someone that will treat you fairly and with respect. You can also use this to help you hire a specialized professional such as a plumber or electrician. Call them at (306) 787-5550 or 1-877-880-5550 (toll free).
Work Together Maintaining a safe home environment cannot be done alone. Some of these suggestions require more than one person or need the abilities of a professional, such as an electrician or carpenter, to complete the task safely. Your friends and family are your best resources if you need help!
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CONTACT INFORMATION – WHO TO CALL
Who to Call
Safety Related Questions
Saskatchewan Safety Council 1-855-280-7115 306-757-3197 www.sasksafety.org
Research with BBB (for scams and for company names) before committing to anything. Warn others by reporting the scam to BBB ScamTracker at sask.bbb.org/scamtracker.
Better Business Bureau of Saskatchewan, Inc. (BBB) 306-352-7601 1-800-352-7601
www.sask.bbb.org [email protected]
Consumer Complaints or Door-to-Door Sales Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501 www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
Saskatchewan Government Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority (306) 787-5645
Reporting lost or stolen credit cards, identity theft, or checking your credit rating
Equifax 1-866-828-5961 National Consumer Relations P.O. Box 190, Station Jean-Talon Montreal, Quebec H1S 2Z2 www.equifax.ca
Trans Union Canada (all provinces except Quebec) 1-800-663-9980 TransUnion Consumer Relations Department P.O. Box 338, LCD1 Hamilton, Ontario L8L 7W2 www.transunion.ca
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CONTACT INFORMATION – WHO TO CALL
Quebec residents only Centre De Relations Aux Consommateurs TransUnion 1-877-713-3393 CPP 1433 SUCC St. Martin Laval, Quebec H7V 3P7 www.transunion.ca
Crime Stoppers Tip Line:
Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 Prince Albert Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 www.pacrimestoppers.ca
Regina Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 www.reginacrimestoppers.ca
Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 www.saskcrimestoppers.com
Saskatoon Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 www.saskatooncrimestoppers.com
Reporting problems with direct mail (may reduce the number of marketing offers received by mail)
Canadian Marketing Association (416) 391-2362 1-800-267-8805 www.the-cma.org/consumers
Checking validity of charitable organizations
Canada Revenue Agency Charities Listing 1-800-267-2384 1-877-442-2899 www.cra-arc.gc.ca/chrts-gvng/lstngs/menu-eng.html
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CONTACT INFORMATION – WHO TO CALL
Registering your home phone, cellular phone, or fax numbers with the National “Do Not Call” List (NDNCL) to reduce the number of telemarketing calls to your home, phone, cellular phone or fax number.
Toll-free 1-866-580-3625 Fax 1-888-362-5329 Hearing impaired (TTY device) 1-888-362-5889 www.LNNTE-DNCL.gc.ca Note: You must be calling from the number you wish to register and you must renew your registration every five years. Or you can register online at: https//www.LNNTE-DNCL.gc.ca/insnum-regnum-eng
Investigating or reporting renovation and repair fraud:
Saskatchewan Home Builders Assoc.: Regina www.reginahomebuilders.com (306) 546-5226 Saskatoon www.saskatoonhomebuilders.com (306) 955-5188
Better Business Bureau of Saskatchewan, Inc. (BBB) 1-800-352-7601
Requesting information on a variety of issues including financial abuse, mental or physical abuse, scams, health, recreation, etc.:
Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (306) 359-9956 1-888-823-2211 [email protected] www.skseniorsmechanism.ca
Reporting a fraud or scam
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501 www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
Better Business Bureau of Saskatchewan, Inc. (BBB) 1-800-352-7601
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CONTACT INFORMATION – WHO TO CALL
Other Website Resources
www.bcli.org/be-savvy www.creditbureau.ca www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ www.sacp.ca www.bbb.org/saskatchewan www.snopes.com
Other Local Resources
Elder abuse organizations Legal-aid clinics for seniors Community information centres Crime-prevention organizations
Requesting Police Services
RCMP Detachments in Saskatchewan:
Assiniboia Detachment (306) 642-7110 Avonlea Community Detachment (306) 868-2300
Balcarres Community Detachment (306) 334-3210 Battlefords Municipal Detachment (306) 446-1720 Beauval Detachment (306) 288-6400 Bengough Community Detachment (306) 268-2144 Big River Detachment (306) 469-2590 Biggar Detachment (306) 948-6600 Birch Hills Community Detachment (306) 749-2200 Blaine Lake Detachment (306) 497-3600 Broadview Detachment (306) 696-5200 Buffalo Narrows Detachment (306) 235-6660
Cabri Community Detachment (306) 778-5550
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CONTACT INFORMATION – WHO TO CALL
Canora Detachment (306) 563-4700 Carlyle Detachment (306) 453-6707 Carnduff Detachment (306) 482-4400 Carrot River Detachment (306) 768-1200 Colonsay Community Detachment (306) 255-3700 Coronach Detachment (306) 267-1830 Craik Detachment (306) 734-5200 Creighton Detachment (306) 688-8888 Cumberland House Detachment (306) 888-5550 Cut Knife Detachment (306) 398-3500
Deschambault Community Detachment (CTA) (306) 632-2392 Delisle Community Detachment (306) 493-3240
Elbow Community Detachment (306) 854-1830 Esterhazy Detachment (306) 745-4740 Estevan Detachment (306) 637-4400 Eston Community Detachment (306) 962-8530
Fillmore Community Detachment (306) 722-3400 Foam Lake Community Detachment (306) 272-6660 Fond du Lac (306) 686-2060 Fort Qu'Appelle Detachment (306) 332-2222
Glaslyn Community Detachment (306) 342-2005 Gravelbourg Detachment (306) 648-4350 Green Lake Community Detachment (306) 832-4810 Greenwater Detachment (Rose Valley) (306) 322-2550 Gull Lake Community Detachment (306) 672-3140
Hafford Community Detachment (306) 549-4280 Hanley Community Detachment (306) 544-3400 Hudson Bay Detachment (306) 865-5550 Humboldt Detachment (306) 682-2535
Ile A La Crosse Detachment (306) 833-6300
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CONTACT INFORMATION – WHO TO CALL
Indian Head Detachment (306) 695-5200 Ituna Community Detachment (306) 795-6400
Kamsack Detachment (306) 542-5560 Kelvington Detachment (306) 327-1200 Kerrobert Community Detachment (306) 834-6550 Kindersley Detachment (306) 463-4642 Kipling Community Detachment (306) 736-6400 Kyle Detachment (306) 375-5510
La Loche Detachment (306) 822-2010 La Ronge Detachment (306) 425-6730 Langenburg Community Detachment (306) 743-5600 Lanigan Detachment (306) 365-1370 Leader Detachment (306) 628-4600 Lloydminster Municipal Detachment (306) 825-6350 Loon Lake Detachment (306) 837-2440 Lumsden Detachment (306) 731-4270
Maidstone Community Detachment (306) 893-4800 Maple Creek Detachment (306) 662-5550 Martensville Community Detachment (306) 975-1610 Meadow Lake Detachment (306) 236-2570 Melfort Detachment (306) 752-6420 Melville Detachment (306) 728-1700 Milestone Detachment (306) 436-6250 Montmartre Community Detachment (306) 424-6400 Moose Jaw Detachment (306) 691-4670 Moosomin Detachment (306) 435-3361 Morse Detachment (306) 629-4100
Naicam Community Detachment (306) 874-2142 Nipawin Detachment (306) 862-6270 North Battleford Detachment (306) 446-1720
Onion Lake Detachment (306) 344-5550
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CONTACT INFORMATION – WHO TO CALL
Outlook Detachment (306) 867-5440
Pelican Narrows Detachment (306) 632-3300 Pierceland Detachment (306) 839-3330 Pinehouse Detachment (306) 884-2400 Ponteix Detachment (306) 625-6400 Porcupine Plain Community Detachment (306) 278-8180 Prince Albert Detachment (306) 765-5501 Punnichy Detachment (306) 835-5200
Radisson Community Detachment (306) 827-3460 Radville Community Detachment (306) 869-4600 Rose Valley (Greenwater Detachment) (306) 322-2550 Rosetown Detachment (306) 882-5700 Rosthern Detachment (306) 232-6400
Sandy Bay Community Detachment (306) 754-4600 Saskatoon Detachment (306) 975-5173 Saskatchewan Headquarters (F.Div.) (306) 780-5461 Shaunavon Detachment (306) 297-5550 Shellbrook Detachment (306) 747-2606 Smeaton Community Detachment (306) 426-2630 Southend Detachment (306) 758-5670 Southey Detachment (306) 726-5230 Spiritwood Detachment (306) 883-4210 St Walburg Community Detachment (306) 248-6250 Stanley Mission Community Detachment (FNP) (306) 635-2390 Stony Rapids Detachment (306) 439-2185 Strasbourg Community Detachment (306) 725-3520 Sturgis Detachment (306) 548-6250 Swift Current Municipal Detachment (306) 778-4870 Swift Current Rural Detachment (306) 778-5550
Tisdale Detachment (306) 878-3810 Turnor Lake/Birch Narrows Community Detachment (FNP) (306) 894-4420
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CONTACT INFORMATION – WHO TO CALL
Turtleford Detachment (306) 845-4520
Unity Detachment (306) 228-6300
Vonda Community Detachment (306) 258-3270
Wadena Detachment (306) 338-6500 Wakaw Detachment (306) 233-5810 Warman Detachment (306) 975-1670 Waskesiu Lake Detachment (306) 663-4400 Watrous Detachment (306) 946-3316 Weyburn Detachment (306) 848-4640 White Butte Detachment (306) 781-5050 Wilkie Community Detachment (306) 843-3480 Wollaston Lake Detachment (306) 633-1200 Wynyard Municipal Detachment (306) 554-5550
Yorkton Municipal Detachment (306) 786-2400 Yorkton Rural Detachment (306) 786-4500
Municipal Police Services in Saskatchewan
Caronport Police Service (306) 756-2522 Corman Park R.M. of Corman Park Police Service (306) 242-8808 Dalmeny Police Service (306) 254-2114 Estevan Police Service (306) 634-4767 File Hills First Nations Police Service (306) 334-3222 Luseland Police Service (306) 372-4844 Moose Jaw Police Service (306) 694-7600 Prince Albert Police Service (306) 953-4222 Regina Police Service (306) 777-6500 Saskatoon Police Service (306) 975-8300 Vanscoy Police Service (306) 291-6050 Weyburn Police Service (306) 848-3250
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