March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada and this weekend you'll have a chance to arm yourself with ways to keep from becoming a victim.

The RCMP, along with about a dozen other organizations, will take part in a fraud prevention information fair at CrossIron Mills Mall.  Cst. Meagan Fillion of the RCMP's Federal Serious and Organized Crime division says it's a good way to make sure you and your loved ones don't get scammed.

"The public is invited to come out to this information session and will be provided with brochures and people they can talk to in relation to fraud."  

Fillion says a variety of agencies are involved in the session.  "Service Alberta, Canada Revenue Agency, Bank of Canada, Crimestoppers, the Real Estate Council of Alberta, the Calgary Police Service, Electronic Recycling, the Better Business Bureau and a few others will be at the fair."

Fraud has a devastating impact on individuals, families, businesses and to the Canadian economy.  According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, the most common scams in Canada last year affected 11,490 victims.  Those frauds included romance, wire fraud, investment, merchandise, job and extortion scams to name a few.

Every year, thousands of Albertans fall victim to fraud, and most say they thought it could never happen to them.

The fraud information fair takes place Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm at CrossIron Mills Mall.  

 

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