Planning Perspectives

A look at life and finance from every angle.

From personal to professional, from family to financial, there are many facets to your life. Yet, each is interconnected. Planning Perspectives is a source of ideas and information to help you make the most of them all, all together.

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Protect yourself from fraud

March 2, 2016 Technology

March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada. Protect your hard-earned assets and your good name. Arm yourself with the ability to recognize and fight fraud.

IDENTITY THEFT

The unauthorized acquisition of your personal information.

WAYS TO STEAL IDENTITY

Victims spend an average of 600 hours recovering from identity theft and an average of $2,000 on out-of-pocket expenses.

WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF

MASS MARKETING FRAUD

Fraud committed via mass communication media.

WAYS TO SCAM

In 2014 Canadians 60-69 years old were targeted the most, but the 50-59 age group had the highest total dollar loss.

WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF

 

If you are a victim of identity theft or fraud, report it!

  1. File a police report.
  2. Contact the appropriate institutions, such as your credit card company, bank, or government departments that
    provide identification.
  3. Contact the two national credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion Canada, to place a fraud alert.
  4. Report the fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Be sure to take notes as events take place; keep a record of your time and expenses; and keep any evidence related to
the complaint, such as email copies, receipts, or cancelled cheques.

Statistics, factual data, and other information are from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. It is furnished on the basis and
understanding that Raymond James Ltd. is to be under no liability whatsoever in respect thereof. Raymond James Ltd., Member – Canadian Investor

Help protect your loved ones by sharing this information with them. For more fraud prevention resources, click here.
(This link goes to the Government of Canada’s Competition Bureau that has information on Fraud Prevention.)