Scam Central

Written by Erin Mulvihill on 24/02/10

Photo by Siobhan Curran on Flickr

While the newest technology is being used by some in order to promote social events and keep the public up-to-date with important information, others are using it and the media to target the public.

Unfortunately, scam artists are also using technology to make money and get personal information. Scams can come in many forms, from text messages telling you that you have won a prize but must pay a fee in order to receive it, to emails from “charities” asking you to donate quickly and easily simply by giving them your Visa number and a bit of personal information.

Scams can also follow current media trends, such as the H1N1 flu. Many health care professionals and police organizations have issued public statements warning people about seeking medical advice and remedies online.

To help protect yourself, stay up to date about the newest and most common scams. Check out Phonebusters, the Canadia Anti-Fraud Call Center for information on how to recognize, report and help stop scams and fraud.

Links

Phonebusters
RCMP – Scams and Fraud
DEAL.org – Online Scams and Fraud
DEAL.org – Holiday Gift Buying: Avoiding Fraud
DEAL.org – The Internet vs. Your Privacy