Fraud remains one of the most troublesome and persistent crimes for Canadians, costing us millions of dollars each year.
But there are many different types of frauds being orchestrated by criminals against Burnaby residents.
The No. 1 fraud local residents need to be wary of, according to Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, is extortion following by stolen identities.
More than 17,000 extortions were committed across Canada in 2020, says Crime Stoppers, and just under 17,000 stolen identities
Here are some startling numbers:
- Canadians lost $106.4 million to fraud in 2020, $62.6 million of which was related to online fraud.
- 11,789 Canadians have lost $7.2 million to COVID-19 related fraud since March last year.
- Canadians lost $18.5 million to a growing number of romance scams in 2020; fraudsters targeting victims by offering companionship or love online during the pandemic.
- In just the first two months of 2021, 7,646 Canadians have already lost $34.6 million to all manner of fraud.
“Those who commit these kinds of crimes are rarely amateurs and know how to prey on people’s fears,” says Linda Annis, executive director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers. “March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada and it’s a good time to remind everyone that no one can identify who you are when you call Crime Stoppers anonymously with information that could lead to these criminals being found and arrested. We’re available 24/7, we can take your information in 115 languages and you could be eligible for a reward of up to $5000.”
Anonymous tips may be provided though Crime Stoppers’ downloadable “P3” app for Apple and Android phones, calling Crime Stoppers at 1-855-448-8477 (new number) or 1-800-222- 8477, online at solvecrime.ca, or by following the link on the Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers Facebook page.
