FRAUD... Recognize it. Report it. Stop it.

Students, new Canadians and people who have experienced credit problems are often targeted by fraud artists who offer them low-interest loans and credit cards - for a fee. People who pay the fee don’t receive their loan or card, and they never get their money back. Protecting yourself from fraud begins with learning to recognize it.

Legitimate lottery and sweepstakes administrators never charge fees to deliver your prize. This is one of the most common scams - if you send money you will never get it back. Protecting yourself from fraud begins with learning to recognize it.

Never give out personal information over the phone or Internet to any business that can’t prove it’s legitimate. Fraud artists use this information to steal your money and commit crimes in your name. Check your credit report every year and report problems immediately. Shred unwanted receipts, cheques, pre-approved credit applications and old tax returns. Identity theft is only one kind of fraud.

The right information can help you avoid fraud. When a caller asks you to send money in order to claim a big prize, it’s fraud! You’ll lose your money. Never give out personal information on the phone or Internet to any business that can’t prove it’s legitimate. You could lose your money and your identity.

The right information can yelp you avoid fraud. When a caller asks you to send money in order to claim a big prize, it’s fraud! You’ll lose your money. Never give out personal information on the phone to any business callers who can’t prove they’re legitimate. You could lose your money and your identity.