Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) yesterday said its officers have investigated more than 2,500 fraud cases from January until the end of August.
These cases have resulted in estimated losses of over $10 million, police said.
“Investigators in the DRPS Financial Crimes Unit have investigated more than 2,500 confirmed fraud incidents in 2024 (as of August 31). These cases have resulted in the loss of more than $10 million dollars,” said a police statement.
It pointed out that the most common fraud cases were:
- The Grandparent Scam
- The Romance Scam
- The Lottery Scam
- The CRA Scam
- Identity Theft
- Investment Scams
- Broken Phone Scam
- Door-to-door Scams
- Taxi Scam
Police said thousands of Canadians fall victim to fraud each year with losses in the millions of dollars. The impact is felt by individuals, families, businesses and society as a whole. The best way to fight against fraud is by having the knowledge to recognize it before you part with your money or property.
What is fraud?
A false representation of a matter of fact – whether by words or by conduct, by false or misleading allegations, or by concealment of what should have been disclosed – that deceives and is intended to deceive another so that the individual will act upon it.
Fraudsters are real. They spend their day developing new schemes to separate you from your hard earned money and they are good at what they do. They can target you in person, through the mail, through telephone contact and/or through the internet.
Police tips to protect yourself from fraud
The best way to protect yourself from fraud is to be aware of the scams that are out there. To ensure you don’t fall victim to a scammer remember the following:
- Never provide personal information to anyone over the phone unless you have confirmed their identity
- Change your passwords frequently
- Never send money, gift cards or cryptocurrency to someone you don’t know
- Share your story with others – your family, friends, neighbours, and any seniors you know as they are often targeted by fraudsters