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Alberta residents more fraud savvy than last year

Alberta residents are doing more to protect themselves from fraud compared to a year ago, according to the TD Canada Trust Fraud Prevention Month Poll.

Alberta residents are doing more to protect themselves from fraud compared to a year ago, according to the TD Canada Trust Fraud Prevention Month Poll.

An increasing number of Albertans say they shred confidential documents when no longer needed (92 per cent compared to 83 per cent in 2010), shield their PINs (86 per cent compared with 57 per cent in 2010) and stay away from unfamiliar ATMs (53 per cent compared to 39 per cent in 2010).

“It’s encouraging to see that Alberta residents are taking more steps now to avoid being victims of fraud, but we want to remind Albertans to continue to remain diligent and protect themselves,” said Justin Hwang, associate vice president of fraud management, TD Canada Trust.

“Financial institutions have tools and information available to help protect people and combat fraud, but the vast majority of fraud can be avoided if people are proactive and follow some simple tips, such as shielding their PIN and being careful with their personal information.”

The TD Canada Trust Fraud Prevention Month Poll also revealed that Albertans are engaging less in risky behaviour that makes them more vulnerable to fraud compared with last year. Only 10 per cent of Albertans say they have ever sent their credit card account information through an email, while 24 per cent admitted to doing so in 2010. In addition, only seven per cent said they have told someone else their debit card PIN, compared to 12 per cent in 2010.

However, Albertans are still concerned about fraud in general (84 per cent vs. 88 per cent in 2010). This year, Albertans were also asked about two other types of fraud, phishing and vishing. About seven in 10 are concerned with being a victim of phishing and vishing, two scams which trick consumers into providing personal information, either electronically or over the phone, which is then used to commit fraud. Albertans are among the most likely groups in the country to be concerned with phishing.

“Criminals are always trying to stay a step ahead and develop new scams, so it’s extremely important for Canadians to be aware of new threats as they appear,” said Hwang. “These days, it’s easy to fall for a sophisticated phishing scheme. Just remember, that your bank will never ask you for personal information over email, and if you’re ever unsure about an email you receive or a website you enter, err on the side of caution and contact your bank immediately.”

Results of the TD Canada Trust Fraud Prevention Month Poll were collected through Environics’ national telephone omnibus between Feb. 1 and 3. A total of 1,001 interviews were completed, including 125 in Alberta.


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