RCMP encourage Manitobans to be vigilant of fraud

RCMP say the number of reported scams and frauds in Manitoba continues to rise.

In a news release highlighting the issue as part of Fraud Prevention Month, police warn that vigilance is key.

“Fraud is increasingly a problem in Manitoba, across Canada and around the world,” said Staff Sgt. Kevin Cavanagh, of the Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services Cyber and Financial Unit. “We encourage Manitobans of all ages to remain vigilant and do your research before making payments or sharing banking and other personal information, particularly when individuals you don’t know are reaching out in person or online for any reason.”

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports that Manitobans were defrauded out of $31 million in 2024, noting that’s just from scams that were reported. It’s estimated that only five to 10 percent of victims actually come forward to law enforcement.

Frauds come in a wide variety of types including texts sent asking for payment information to receive a package you never ordered, investment scams, identity theft, and false or misleading promotions.

They also point to the fact that while the elderly are considered to be likelier victims, fraud hits every age group. RCMP say the average dollar amount lost by Canadian victims in their 40s is almost as much as those in their 80s.

RCMP offered these basic tips to avoid becoming victimized:

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Strangers offering large inheritances or lottery winnings in exchange for hundreds of dollars in “processing fees” aren’t legitimate. Neither are the people trying to buy the item you’ve posted online for sale for more than the asking price.

• Be wary of strangers contacting you to ask for money. Phone calls, texts and emails from people or organizations you don’t know that are pressuring you to buy an item or service you never previously expressed an interest in should be treated with caution.

• Protect your personal information. Don’t readily share personal details with strangers, particularly over the phone or online. Be cautious about what you share on social media, too.

• Verify, verify, verify. The grandchild calling you out of the blue for bail money may not be real. The person that’s threatening to cut your cable if you don’t pay the overdue bill you didn’t know existed may not be from the telecommunications company. Ask pointed questions to confirm identity and, if need be, call people or companies back at known phone numbers.

If you or someone you know has been defrauded, report it to your local RCMP detachment or police service.

RCMP are also asking people to report fraud to the National Cybercrime and Fraud Reporting System, which serves as a central repository of fraud and cybercrime reports from across the country.