Highlighting tools of the trade used by fraudsters

March is Fraud Prevention Month, and officers with the Southern Georgian Bay OPP and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) are using this time to educate residents about how to identify scams and protect themselves from becoming a victim of fraud.

“Fraudsters are experts at disguising themselves and creating false identities to manipulate, deceive, and steal from their victims. By exposing these deceptive practices, we aim to empower Canadians to spot fraud before it happens,” OPP stated.

Evolution of Fraud

Fraudsters are constantly evolving, using more advanced tools and techniques to deceive their victims. One of the most common ways they operate is through social engineering, where they manipulate human emotions to trick individuals into acting quickly and without caution.

A common example is phishing, where fake emails or text messages that appear to be from trusted organizations are used to steal personal or financial information. Fraudsters may also use impersonation, pretending to be someone you trust, such as a family member in distress or a government official. Creating a false sense of urgency, like demanding payment for a fake bill, is another common tactic.

As technology continues to advance, so do the tools fraudsters use to carry out their schemes. Some criminals turn to the dark web to purchase stolen data or fake identities, while others use artificial intelligence (AI) to generate convincing deepfake videos and realistic-sounding phone calls. Fraudsters may also use spoofing technology, which allows them to mimic legitimate phone numbers, emails, or websites to appear trustworthy.

Another tool in the fraudster’s toolbox is fake identification. Authorities say fraudsters often create fake IDs, passports, and other documents to commit crimes such as identity fraud, opening fraudulent accounts, or applying for loans or credit cards. These fake documents can help them bypass security measures and make their schemes appear more legitimate.

Protect Yourself

While fraudsters continue to develop new tools and methods, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

Be cautious if you receive unexpected requests for personal or financial information, and always take a moment to verify the source before responding.

Learn how to spot phishing and impersonation scams, and share this knowledge with family and friends. Using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible is also a good way to add an extra layer of protection to your online accounts.

It’s also important to regularly check your financial accounts for any unauthorized activity and report any instance where personal information is compromised.

Anyone who suspects they’ve been targeted by fraud or cybercrime is encouraged to report the incident to their local police and to the CAFC at 1-888-495-8501, or online.