As March marks Fraud Prevention Month, the Richmond RCMP is raising awareness about prevalent fraud trends, particularly impersonation fraud, which involves scammers posing as trusted entities to deceive victims. The Economic Crime Unit (ECU) has reported a rise in credit card fraud, where criminals visit victims to collect supposedly compromised cards, later using them for unauthorized purchases. To safeguard against credit card fraud, individuals are advised to limit personal information sharing, conduct annual credit checks, avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, and utilize digital wallets. Additionally, tech support scams remain a significant threat, with fraudsters impersonating reputable companies to gain access to victims' computers and sensitive information. Victims may be misled into purchasing gift cards as a solution to fabricated technical issues. The ECU emphasizes the importance of community education and outreach, urging residents to engage in discussions about scams and report any fraudulent activities.
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