(Alberta RCMP)

By Justin Goulet

Alberta RCMP responded to over 10,700 reports of COVID-related fraud in one-year span

Jul 7, 2021 | 10:26 AM

EDMONTON, AB – Alberta Mounties have released the top 10 frauds related to COVID-19 plaguing the province.

From March 2020 to February 2021, the RCMP says there were more than 10,700 reports of fraud in its jurisdictions. Impersonation and identity-related incidents accounted for 19.4 per cent of all reported frauds in that time period.

Below is a list of the top 10 frauds reported in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions:

1. Fraud (money/property/security) less than or equal to $5,000

2. Identity fraud

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3. Fraud (money/property/security) greater than $5,000

4. Identity theft

5. Theft, forgery, misuse of credit card

6. Use/traffic/possession of a forged document

7. Illegal possession or trafficking in government documents

8. Obtaining food/lodging by fraud

9. Fraud, obtaining transportation

10. Unauthorized use of a computer

Mounties are offering tips to protect oneself from become the victim of fraud and recognizing the signs of a scam:

• Ask “does this transaction make sense?” If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is;
• Ignore communication from unknown contacts;
• Don’t leave personal identification cards in your vehicle;
• Purchase items from reputable organizations;
• Research organizations via the Better Business Bureau;
• Regularly monitor credit card statements for unknown or suspicious charges;
• Never send money on a dating site.

Those that have unfortunately become a victim of fraud can report the incident to their local police service and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online here or by calling 1-888-495-8501. Victims should also connect with their bank and credit card company if they believe their personal or financial information has been compromised.

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