The Saskatchewan RCMP says they have seen an 81 per cent increase in fraud reports in the last decade.
In a news release the RCMP say their crime analysts compiled the statistics which point to a 200 per cent increase in fraud greater than $5,000 and a 335 per cent increase in fraud related to theft, forgery and misuse of credit card, all between 2014 to 2024.
Sergeant Lorna Dornstauder with the Saskatoon Provincial General Investigation Section says, “The internet gives everyone instant access to information – including fraudsters who use it for financial gain.”
The RCMP analyze the data to identify trends and patterns. Sgt. Dornstauder says fraud investigations can be highly complex, and one example involved a woman from Wakaw who was convicted on all charges related to fraud and theft. That investigation dated back to 2013, but it was in 2020 that Wakaw RCMP were alerted of a theft from a victim’s personal bank account.
Their investigation determined that between 2013 and 2019, the accused was responsible for stealing almost $750,000 from 11 separate victims. In April of 2024, the accused was sentenced to three years in prison.
Tips from the RCMP on keeping yourself safe:
- Always be on high alert when you receive unsolicited communication of any kind. Especially when pressured to act quickly, something seems too good to be true or when receiving threats.
- Monitor your banking account regularly for any suspicious activity.
- Be careful; scammers can spoof telephone numbers and make it appear as though they’re calling from a trusted source.
- Slow things down. Scammers create a sense of urgency when they call. If you are unsure if a phone call is a scam, hang up and reach out to your relative with a number you know and trust.
- Never agree to meet with someone who called you asking for money.
- Never give out personal information like your name, address, SIN or banking information over unsolicited calls or emails.
- If you are unsure if an incoming call is from your banking institution, a lawyer, police or a fraudster, hang up and call the agency back using a familiar phone number to confirm the information you were told is accurate.
- Don’t be afraid to say no! Don’t be intimidated by high-pressure sales tactics or requests to send money right away. Walk away or hang up the phone.
- Remember, anyone can become a victim of fraud – you are not alone. Fraudsters can be very convincing, they are relentless in achieving their goal, and they target people’s emotions and kindness.