Fraud Prevention Month 2025 to Spotlight Surging Threat of Impersonation Fraud
Ottawa, ON – February 28, 2025 (16:07 EST) – As Fraud Prevention Month approaches in March, Canada’s leading consumer protection agencies and law enforcement organizations are gearing up to address a pressing and rapidly evolving threat: impersonation fraud. This year’s campaign will place a significant emphasis on raising awareness and providing practical advice to Canadians on how to identify, avoid, and report this particularly insidious form of deception.
Impersonation fraud, as the name suggests, involves fraudsters assuming the identity of someone else – often a representative of a trusted organization, government agency, or even a loved one – to trick victims into divulging personal information, transferring money, or taking actions that ultimately benefit the scammer.
“Impersonation fraud has emerged as one of the fastest-growing forms of fraud in Canada, causing significant financial and emotional distress to countless individuals,” stated a joint press release issued by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), the Competition Bureau Canada, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) earlier today. “The sophistication of these scams is constantly evolving, making it increasingly difficult for Canadians to differentiate between legitimate communications and fraudulent attempts.”
Why Impersonation Fraud is on the Rise:
Several factors have contributed to the rise in impersonation fraud, including:
- Data Breaches and Information Availability: The increasing frequency of data breaches and the widespread availability of personal information online make it easier for fraudsters to gather the details they need to convincingly impersonate someone.
- Technological Advancements: Technology like voice cloning, deepfakes, and sophisticated phishing techniques allows fraudsters to create highly believable imitations of individuals, making it harder to detect scams.
- Exploitation of Fear and Trust: Impersonation scams often prey on people’s fear, urgency, or trust in authority figures. Scammers may impersonate tax authorities threatening legal action, police demanding immediate payment, or even family members in distress urgently needing financial assistance.
- Global Reach: Fraudsters can operate from anywhere in the world, making it challenging for law enforcement to track them down and bring them to justice.
Key Areas of Focus During Fraud Prevention Month 2025:
This year’s Fraud Prevention Month campaign will focus on several key areas related to impersonation fraud:
- Recognizing the Red Flags: The campaign will provide Canadians with detailed information on the common red flags associated with impersonation scams. This includes unexpected calls or emails, demands for immediate payment or personal information, pressure tactics, and inconsistencies in communication.
- Protecting Personal Information: Emphasis will be placed on educating Canadians on how to safeguard their personal information online and offline, including being cautious about sharing information on social media, using strong passwords, and shredding sensitive documents.
- Verifying Identity: The campaign will promote the importance of verifying the identity of anyone claiming to represent a trusted organization or government agency. This includes independently contacting the organization directly through official channels to confirm the legitimacy of the communication.
- Knowing Who to Contact: The campaign will provide clear guidance on who to contact if you suspect you have been targeted by an impersonation scam, including the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, local law enforcement, and financial institutions.
- New Technologies and Fraud: A special section of the campaign will address emerging threats like voice cloning and deepfakes, providing guidance on how to spot these increasingly sophisticated impersonation tactics.
Resources Available:
Throughout Fraud Prevention Month, Canadians can expect to see a range of resources available to help them learn more about impersonation fraud and how to protect themselves. These resources will include:
- Website Updates: The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca) will feature updated information, tips, and resources on impersonation fraud.
- Social Media Campaign: A nationwide social media campaign using the hashtag #FraudPreventionMonth will share valuable information and tips on how to recognize and avoid impersonation scams.
- Public Service Announcements: Radio and television PSAs will highlight the dangers of impersonation fraud and provide practical advice to Canadians.
- Community Events: Local law enforcement agencies and consumer protection organizations will host community events and workshops to educate Canadians about fraud prevention.
Call to Action:
“Fraud Prevention Month is a critical opportunity to raise awareness and empower Canadians to protect themselves from the devastating consequences of impersonation fraud,” said the RCMP spokesperson. “We urge everyone to be vigilant, skeptical, and to take the necessary steps to safeguard their personal information and financial well-being. By working together, we can make it harder for fraudsters to succeed.”
Canadians are encouraged to report any suspected incidents of fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. Your report, even if you haven’t lost money, can help law enforcement track down and prosecute fraudsters.
This Fraud Prevention Month, take the time to educate yourself and your loved ones about the dangers of impersonation fraud. By staying informed and vigilant, we can all play a role in protecting ourselves and our communities from this growing threat.
Fraud Prevention Month to focus on impersonation fraud, one of the fastest growing forms of fraud
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