Over the past 10 years, Saskatchewan RCMP have seen an 81 per cent in reports of fraud in the province.
Between 2014 and 2024, statistics compiled by RCMP crime analysts show a 200 per cent increase in reports of fraud greater than $5,000 and a 335 per cent increase in fraud related to theft, forgery, and the misuse of credit cards.
Even with theft under $5,000, the RCMP have seen a jump in reports from 953 in 2014 to 2,207 in 2024.
"The internet gives everyone instant access to information – including fraudsters who use it for financial gain. Our analysts examine fraud-related crime data to identify trends and patterns,” says Sgt. Lorna Dornstauder, an officer with the Saskatoon Provincial General Investigation Section, in a press release.
To protect yourself and your family from fraud, the Saskatchewan RCMP are reminding residents to:
- 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.
If you believe you were a victim of fraud contact your local police or the RCMP at 310-RCMP (7267). You can also report fraud by calling the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.