Justin Main photo illustration
TRUST ME: Scammers tend to talk about how
prey on emotions and do not think twice about
important trust is. Wanting you to trust them in an
how they are hurting others. Remember to never
effort to prepare you for a request for money that
provide your personal and financial information
they’ll promise to payback. Repayment will never
online or over the phone. Dig a little deeper and do
happen!
not let anyone pressure you into making decisions
SOB STORY: Scammers will do this in an attempt
about your money or investments. Do not be afraid
to gain sympathy and potentially money from
to ask the forward or embarrassing questions. If
you. Sometimes a family emergency, a sick family
they are asking for money, they should be able
member or a legal situation that’s needs immediate
to provide you with the answers to those hard
remedy. Pulling on your heartstrings is what these
questions. Lastly, never send money to someone
people do best.
you have not met, even if you feel close to them
AVOIDANCE: Fraudsters in the dating world will
or have been dating online for some time. Dating
try to avoid meeting you in person. They claim
and Romance Scams have no time frame and
they live far away, are working or with family
“dating” frequently lasts for many months with
overseas. Often this is how the scam occurs;
the fraudsters building a strong emotional rapport
claiming travel costs are too high and appealing
before asking for financial assistance.
to you to pay for the trip to be united.
W
hile we do not want to instill fear, cynicism and closed-heartedness onto everyone, it is important for
you to be vigilant in protecting yourself both emotionally and financially. These fraudsters
If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at 1-888-495-8501 or report online www.antifraudcenter.ca. PIE DIGEST 121