Fraudsters target new generations

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Vincent Larin

Thursday, 1 march 2018 22:50

UPDATE
Thursday, 1 march 2018 22:50

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Fraudsters are increasingly targeting the milléniaux and even generation Z, those born after 1995, by using social networks and texting, a situation that worries the authorities.

“Even if they mastered the technology, [they] have such a large presence on social media that they have become a natural target for fraudsters,” says the assistant deputy commissioner at the competition Bureau, Kata Rados.

This last was accompanied by representatives of the police and of the organization Option to consumers for the launch of the month of the prevention of fraud, in Montreal.

The Canadians have lost not less than $ 405 million to the clutches of the scammers for three years, said on this occasion Kata Rados.

Seniors remain a target of choice so that the money that they were stealing by means of various frauds amounted to $ 94 million for three years.

Few complaints

And this is only the tip of the iceberg. Only 5 % of frauds are reported to the authorities, considers the competition Bureau.

“Often, people are ashamed to say they were made to defraud or, in the case of businesses, they were afraid to look unreliable,” says a lawyer at Option consommateurs, Sylvie De Bellefeuille.

In addition, the amounts are generally low, and so the victims are reluctant to complain, she adds, recalling the importance of preventing the authorities.

“Fifteen dollars, this may not be a lot, but multiplied by a million, it starts to make a lot,” she said.

The police are hard at work to bring the hand to the neck of the fraudsters.

In 2014, 15,000 records have been opened by the police in the area of fraud and this number has jumped up to 18 000 in 2016, says the head of the Service of investigations on the integrity of the economy of the SQ, Alain Gaulin.

“There is a movement at the level of the criminals, who adapt to the technology “, he says.

The fake free samples

You pay for the delivery cost of a free sample, but continue to receive other products with a bill that may reach hundreds of dollars.

Solution

If possible, communicate with the merchant to terminate the contract. Then, ask the chargeback to the financial institution, or change your card if you continue to receive payments.

Small price, big scam

A product is presented on the internet at a ridiculous price. You decide to buy and pay for the costs of delivery, but the product never arrives.

Solution

Ask for a refund to the retailer and then ask for the chargeback to the financial institution if you paid by credit card.

Top 10 fraud the most common in 2017

1. Fraud related to online purchases (Over$13 Million)

Fake websites, counterfeit goods, or trials allegedly free are omnipresent.

2. Spear-phishing (unspecified amount)

Fraudsters may pose as the CEO of a company to divert money through wire transfers or e-mails.

3. Online dating (More than$19 Million)

The victims give their personal information to people met online.

4. Frauds related to employment (More than$5 Million)

In the first place last year. Fake companies are targeting of victims on reliable web sites specialized in job search.

5. Fraud cryptomonnaie (More than$1.7 Million)

It promises huge returns on investments that paid with the digital currency… that you shall see not.

6. Income tax (More than$5 Million)

The victims are the target of false calls of the Canada revenue Agency that asks them to provide their personal information.

7. Weight loss diet miracle (unspecified amount)

The fraudsters promise of fad diets to people who want to lose weight.

8. Loans with fees payable in advance (More than$1.5 Million)

You are guaranteed a loan, but it asks you all of a sudden a down payment as collateral.

9. Entrepreneurs ladles (More than$3 Million)

Companies take your deposit and simply disappear.

10. False invoices (amount undetermined)

You receive invoices by e-mail that appear to come from real organizations.

Source : Better Business Bureau : top 10 scams of 2017