Airdrie RCMP is warning area consumers of the potential for an increase in fraud-related crime during the busy holiday retail season.
RCMP have outlined a series of tips for those shopping at stores, as well as online, and some general guidelines to be aware of during the last-minute Christmas rush.
“Most of the tips are self-explanatory,” said Const. Francine Hennelly. “But we have responded to several shoplifting incidents in the last little while and we received one call from a woman, where a caller said her grandson was in jail and that he required money for bail.
“But she knew right away her grandson was not in jail, so she ended the call and notified the RCMP.”
• Even though you will be rushed and thinking about a thousand things, try to remain alert to your surroundings. When paying with a credit or debit card, never lose sight of your card. Whenever possible, swipe your card yourself rather than giving it to the cashier.
• Always shield your PIN when entering it. Don’t be embarrassed – you’re not insulting anyone.
• Do not keep a written record of your bank PIN number or your social insurance number in your wallet or handbag.
• Shop only from your home computer and equip it with the latest web browser.
• If you plan to buy something, go directly to a store’s website by manually typing its address into your web browser. Don’t click on links in an e-mail message even if you know who sent it.
• Verify secure connections. When shopping online, do not enter any financial information if you see a broken-key or open padlock symbol on your Internet browser. This means the transaction is not secure and could be intercepted by a third party. When the key is complete or the padlock is locked, your browser is indicating a secure transaction.
• Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery and do not leave pieces of mail lying around your residence or office.
• Shred or otherwise destroy pre-approved credit card applications, credit card receipts, bills and any documents containing personal information when they’re no longer needed.
• Do not provide personal information such as your SIN, date of birth, credit card numbers, or PIN over the telephone or via e-mail. There are more secure methods for providing this valuable information when it is legitimately required.
• Avoid mail or telephone solicitations disguised as promotions. Criminals involved in this type of scam typically offer you an instant prize or an award for the purpose of obtaining personal information, such as your credit card numbers.
“If, despite your best efforts, you feel you’ve been victimized by a scam or a fraud, you should report it immediately to the police service in your area,” Hennelly said.
If you feel you have been a victim of fraud, call your local RCMP detachment.
