Fil-Canadians get tips to avoid scam, fraud

CANADA - Community partners in Toronto recently kicked off Fraud Prevention Month this March, with a warning to the general public that anybody can be a victim of scams and fraud.

The Toronto Police Service's Financial Crimes Unit and community partners were one in educating the public about telltale signs to avoid becoming a victim.

As new types of fraud have emerged because of technology, advocates of fraud prevention urged consumers to be vigilant.

The Crime Prevention Association of Toronto gave tips on protecting oneself from scammers, particularly for newcomers to Canada.

"Most of the time, like in banking, you have to be very careful of giving away your personal information because your PIN number, your card, is your security. We have close-knit communities but we don't do the door-to-door stuff anymore. So, someone might come to you saying they're from a charity or they want money or need money, and very often it's not the truth," said Janet Sherbanowski, executive director of the Crime Prevention Association of Toronto.

Community services officer Clarita Mendigoria advised the public not to be too trusting.

" You have to be very careful. You have to protect yourself by all means," she said.

For investors, industry experts warn against guarantees that sound too good to be true.

"If you're being told it's absolutely guaranteed to succeed, in the investment industry, it's something that is not coming. You have to be aware of that; be cautious of that. The other aspect is high-pressure sales tactics. If you're being told to decide now, this deal is going to be over tomorrow, that's actually a huge red flag," said Ian Strulovitch, director of Public Affairs of the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada.

Allister Field, Enforcement Manager of the Ontario Securities Commission added, "Any opportunity that requires you to recruit family and friends is something that you need to be worried of. Many fraudulent schemes require many investors to keep the scam going. So, if there's any emphasis on bringing people into the opportunity, that's a red flag as well."

In the unfortunate instance that you smell something suspicious or have become a victim, law enforcers urge the public to report them without fear.

"If an incident has taken place, you can call the Canada Anti-fraud Centre and they will log that so that if anybody else has that same occurrence, that will then be a multiple occurrence and a police force will be dispatched to investigate that," said Sgt. Vance Morgan of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Beware of scammers on online selling sites

MANILA, Philippines – Bayan Patroller “Sher” wanted to buy an iPad Mini at a discounted price, so when she saw the advertisement posted in online selling site Sulit.com.ph, she grabbed the opportunity.

"Nagtext-text na kami tapos nagpakilala siyang ng doktora, sabi niya you can check my name with PRC," she said.

She sent P13,500 to the seller but no gadget was delivered.

The same thing happened to Kim and Jeff (not their real names). After the deal was closed and they sent their payment, the same seller suddenly could no longer be reached.

Thus, they decided to report the incident to the police.

Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo (BMPM) was able to contact the supposed seller who is a doctor by profession.

But she said she was not involved in any of those transactions and somebody used her name and photo.

"Definitely natakot ako…Somebody used my name for a scam," said Dra. Mildred Tayag.

According to the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, many have been victimized by this type of scam.

They urge people to report such incidents immediately.

“Usually ang sinasampa natin dito is Article 315, estafa, or kung hindi sila totoong iyon at ginagamit lang ang pangalan, kakasuhan din natin ng Article 178, concealing true name and identity," said fraud investigator PO3 Ronnie del Rosario.

Meanwhile, Sulit.com sent a written statement saying they are now investigating suspicious ads that flow into their website.

“All transactions happen between the buyer and the seller only so we highly encourage the buyers to go the extra mile - check the seller's feedback, ask for actual photos, and choose to do a meet-up, to avoid being scammed,” said Jean Magboo, PR supervisor of Sulit.com.ph

They also plan to screen the ads first before posting in order to prevent scammers from using their website.

"To ensure the quality of ads being posted on our website, we will be implementing a screening procedure soon wherein ads that will be posted under our Buy and Sell category will be reviewed by our team first before it gets approved for posting,” said Magboo. -- Report from ANC

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com