Photo credit ID 208413982 © Fizkes | Dreamstime.com

By Erika Rolling

Cyber Safety

RCMP warns of online scams with Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Nov 15, 2024 | 12:29 PM

Mounties in Alberta are cautioning the public of online scams with Black Friday and Cyber Monday fast approaching.

Online shopping can be easier, but RCMP would like to remind Albertans to be mindful and practice cyber safety whenever they are putting credit card or personal information into a website.

People often don’t realize they are victims to fraud until their next billing cycle, as unauthorized use of credit card data can go undetected well after the incident.

In 2023, Albertans had:

• 2,399 reports of Fraud greater than $5,000
• 6,379 reports of Fraud less than or equal to $5,000
• 51 reports of Mischief involving data, such as “trojan horses,” “worms” and viruses
• 51 reports of unauthorized use of credit card data, with most reports occurring in November, December, and January.

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Local History

Oliver's Funeral Home - 109 years of Service

Sep 04, 2024

In November and December of 2023, there were just over 1,500 reports of fraud in Alberta jurisdictions. 432 of these reports were for fraud over $5,000.

RCMP says only buy online from reputable sources, and don’t let a good deal lead to someone stealing your credit card info.

Other tips they suggest are:

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi, especially when making transactions or accessing banking or other sensitive personal information.
• Using multi-factor authentication whenever possible, making it more difficult for criminals to access your accounts.
• Changing your passwords often. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters helps make them stronger.
• Phishing is a commonly used tactic for cyber crime. Phishing messages ask you to validate information by clicking links and may threaten you with legal action. Verify legitimacy by calling the company directly.
• Check your accounts frequently and review transactions often to ensure your information hasn’t been compromised.

If you believe you have become a victim of fraud, or are being targeted as one, report it to local law enforcement and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501.

Instances of compromised personal and/or financial information should be reported to your bank and credit card company.

To learn more about the various types of fraud and scams, please visit the CAFC’s scam webpage.