Victoria Femia
Scams may not be something you think about in your day-to-day life, but it is something that police say you should always be aware of.
“We want people to be looking out for scams or frauds at all times, the public needs to remain vigilant at all times,” says Vernon North Okanagan RCMP Const. Chris Terleski.
Throughout the year, the RCMP see different types of scams take place reflecting that time of year.
For example, Terleski said in the holiday season they see more people shopping online using their credit card and personal information, prompting scammers to try to use that information for identity fraud or to swindle money from people.
Through the months of August and September, closer to back to school time when people are moving for university, Terleski said they may see an increase in rental frauds.
During tax season, February to March, scammers may pose as Revenue Canada calling residents for their Social Insurance number.
Two popular ways fraudsters communicate is by phone or through email and Terleski says scammers will get creative and sophisticated when trying to lure money out of people.
“We’ve seen some underlying or common themes to all frauds,” said Terleski.
“The first being, they’re going to represent or try to convince you that they’re from an organization you trust.”
He advised that, it could range from anyone such as the government, Canada Revenue…
