Unfortunately, in today’s world there are many scams and frauds taking place – from charity misrepresentations and accounting frauds to computer scams, just to name a few. Extreme caution is to be exercised!

If you are approached in person, by phone or e-mail to invest, send money, donate, or learn you have won a trip or prize, or anything else that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious and think twice about the information being provided. Don’t let yourself become a victim! If you have any doubts, just say, “No!”

Here are a few ‘Do’s’ to help protect you and your money.

• Check your account statements promptly and immediately report any transactions you don’t recognize.
• Destroy all receipts before discarding since some may have your card number printed on them.
• Guard your card – don’t use it as collateral or give your card number to someone on the phone, unless you initiated the call for a purchase.
• Shred all personal and financial information – such as bills, bank statements, ATM receipts and credit card offers – before you throw them away.
• Keep your personal documentation (i.e. birth certificate, social insurance card) and your bank and credit card records in a secure place.
• Call the post office immediately if you are not receiving your mail. To get the personal information needed to use your identity, a thief can forge your signature and have your mail forwarded.
• Be aware of your surroundings when entering your Personal Information Number (PIN) at an ATM.
• Limit the number of credit cards and other personal information that you carry in your wallet or purse.
• Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately.
• Decide whether you need inactive card accounts. Even when not being used, these accounts appear on your credit report, which is accessible to thieves. If you have applied for a credit card and have not received the card in a timely manner, immediately notify the appropriate financial institution.
• Monitor the expiration dates on your credit cards. Contact the issuer if the replacement card is not received prior to your credit card’s expiration date.
• Sign all new credit cards upon receipt.
• Review your credit reports annually.
• Use passwords on your credit cards, bank accounts and phone cards. Avoid using the obvious passwords – your mother’s maiden name, your birthdate, or phone number.

What additional tips have you found to help keep you safe from fraud?