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Friday, March 01, 2024

March is Fraud Prevention Month



March is Fraud Prevention Month
Broadcast time: 06:00 AM
Date: Friday, Mar 01, 2024
Unit: Financial Crimes
Case #: N/A

 Fraud targets all of us and fighting fraud is a collective effort.

From September 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024, Torontonians reported 8,422 frauds to the Toronto Police Service with a reported loss value of $164.8 million.

March is Fraud Prevention Month, a time for Canadians to recognize, reject and report fraud.

This month, the Toronto Police Service and partners across Canada are increasing awareness of frauds and providing tools for the public to use to better protect themselves so they don’t become victims.

The theme this year is "20 years of fighting fraud: from then to now" highlighting that while scams evolve, we remain dedicated to fighting fraud.

“Fraud Prevention Month serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and awareness in safeguarding against deceptive practices,” Detective Dave Coffey said. “Let us unite in educating ourselves and others to detect, deter, and promote the reporting of fraud, thereby protecting our communities.”

Top Five Total Frauds from September 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024:

  • Credit Card: 1.1K
  • Peer-to-Peer Marketplace: 0.8K
  • Account Takeover: 0.7K
  • Confidence: 0.6K
  • Personation/Identity Theft: 0.6K

Top Five Frauds in Total Reported Loss Value from September 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024:

  • Investment/Crypto: $51.4 million
  • Confidence: $20.6 million
  • Account Takeover: $11.2 million
  • Fraud Document: $7.0 million
  • Mortgage: $5.9 million

“Through the theme '20 years of fighting fraud: from then to now,' we reflect on the evolving landscape of fraud, from traditional methods, like telemarketing and mail, to modern platforms like social media and AI,” Det. Coffey noted. “This theme underscores our unwavering commitment to combatting scams, demonstrating that while tactics may shift, our resolve to protect Canadians remains steadfast.”

Watch the latest Don’t Get Scammed video, What Is Fraud? to learn more.

Follow #FPM2024 on social media for more information and tips during Fraud Prevention Month.

Contact corporatecommunications@tps.ca for media interviews. Det. Coffey will be available today at 1 p.m.


Shannon Cartier for Detective David Coffey

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