To mark Fraud Prevention Month in March, the Financial and Consumer Services Commission (FCNB) is inviting New Brunswickers to become familiar with the red flags of fraud so they can feel empowered to protect themselves from fraud.
FCNB is launching a social media campaign complete with a new video series depicting some of the common tactics fraudsters use to target their victims.
In addition to the videos, FCNB will be promoting a new quiz and online guide on the red flags of fraud as well as free virtual presentations. Stay Out of Fraud’s Reach, a presentation that can be tailored to a variety of audiences, provides information on spotting, avoiding and reporting frauds and scams.
“Frauds and scams are evolving all the time,” said Alaina Nicholson, FCNB’s Director of Consumer Affairs. “The internet and social media have made it easier than ever for fraudsters to take advantage of people. So, it’s very important that New Brunswickers be able to recognize a fraud attempt and have the confidence to say ‘no’ when approached.”
“The rising trend of cryptocurrency and DIY investing has given fraudsters more opportunities to target their victims,” added Susan Powell, FCNB’s Director of Enforcement. “We see a lot of fraudulent trading platforms being used to trick people out of their hard-earned money.”
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), New Brunswickers reported losing more than $4.2 million to frauds and scams in 2021, $1.9 million of which was reported by seniors. Among the top frauds are investment and romance scams, claiming more than $2.5 million. FCNB reminds New Brunswickers that even though frauds and scams can present in different ways, the red flags of fraud remain the same.
Fraud Prevention Month is an annual awareness initiative to help empower Canadians by providing information they need to recognize, reject, and report fraud. New Brunswickers can visit the Fraud Prevention Month page at FCNB.ca. to learn more about the red flags of fraud.
FCNB will join numerous partners across the country, including CAFC and the RCMP, in a Canada-wide Fraud Prevention Month social media camping using #FPM2022. Follow FCNB on social media for access to videos and resources about how to stay out of fraud’s reach.
Audio files of Alaina Nicholson, FCNB’s Director of Consumer Affairs
Audio files of Susan Powell, FCNB’s Director of Enforcement
FCNB has the mandate to protect consumers and enhance public confidence in the financial and consumer marketplace through the provision of regulatory and educational services. It is responsible for the administration and enforcement of provincial legislation regulating mortgage brokers, payday lenders, real estate, securities, insurance, pensions, credit unions, trust and loan companies, cooperatives, and a wide range of other consumer legislation. It is an independent Crown corporation funded by the regulatory fees and assessments paid by the regulated sectors. Online educational tools and resources are available at www.fcnb.ca.