If the turnout at a Fraud Prevention Month Information Fair held earlier this month at CrossIron Mills is any indication, people from Airdrie and area are becoming increasingly aware of the risks.

More than 300 people turned out for the event which was put on by the RCMP, the Canada Revenue Agency, Service Alberta, the Bank of Canada and other agencies.  Constable Meagan Fillion of the RCMP says the participants had a lot of questions.

"Some of the common questions were in regards to card skimming or using fake ID and inquiring about how to recognize fraud."

Some of the people who were there had already been victims of fraud, according to Fillion.  "There were a few people who identified themselves as victims of fraud.  They tended to speak in regards to stolen documents or stolen identity"

The RCMP say fraud can have a devastating impact on individuals, families, business and the Canadian economy and that awareness, knowledge and prevention are the best methods for protecting yourself from being victimized.  They say last year, the most common frauds in Canada affected 11,490 people.

During March, Fraud Prevention Month, the RCMP reminds you to protect yourself from fraud by becoming aware of the risks and always protecting your identity.

If you or someone you know has been a victim, report it to your local police detachment and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by going to this link.

 

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