Financial Crimes
The SPD Financial Crimes Section is a part of the Detective Division of the Saanich Police. Three members work full-time on a variety of offences relating to fraudulent activity, usually focusing on cases where there has been a loss in excess of $5,000.00.
There are over 50 sections of the Criminal Code of Canada that deal with fraud-related offences. These offences require a substantial amount of time and a great deal of specialization in order for them to be thoroughly investigated. Referrals to the Financial Crime detectives are usually made after an initial investigation by uniformed officers.
FRAUD PREVENTION
COMMON TYPES OF FRAUD AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM
There are many types of fraud, with new ones invented regularly. Remaining cautious and aware is your best defense. It’s helpful to know that fraudsters use three powerful and effective things to get you to cooperate:
The hope of a benefit: “You’ve won a prize!” “This is a guaranteed investment!” “I love you!”
Fear: “You owe taxes.” “You will be arrested.” “Your loved one is in trouble.”
Your natural willingness to help: “Help us catch these crooked bank employees.” “Be our secret shopper.”
These are designed to manipulate your emotions, prevent you from thinking rationally, and make you take actions you normally would not.
Help us help you prevent fraud.
Breathe and Slow things down.
Does this make sense?
If it’s too good to be true it’s probably a scam!
Be rude – hang up, delete, don’t respond.
Take all the time you need.
Check in with two trusted other people ie. your bank, your family
OPTIONS TO REPORT FRAUD AND CYBERCRIME
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- Consumer Protection BC
- Competition Bureau of Canada
- Better Business Bureau and Bureau’s Scam Tracker
Check it out and see what scams are happening in your area.
ONLINE ANTI-FRAUD RESOURCES
There are numerous online resources to assist you with fraud awareness and prevention including:
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- seniorsbc.ca – resources for seniors including elder abuse prevention
- The Little Black Book of Scams
- Better Business Bureau
- Government of Canada Office of Consumer Affairs
- Consumer Protection BC
- Competition Bureau
- British Columbia Securities Commission
- Be Fraud Aware
- Invest Right
- Get Cyber Safe – Government of Canada
- Internet Crime Complaint Center (US-based)
- Trans Union Credit Bureau
- Equifax Canada
- PhoneBusters (1-888-495-8501)
- Scambusters
Remember: The best defense to becoming a victim of a financial crime is to exercise due diligence. If you are unsure, seek assistance from any of the sources listed above or call the SPD at 475-4321.
PRINTABLE RESOURCES
Saanich Police summary on how you can Be Scammer Savvy – Beat the Fraudster
Mar 2023 – Scam Protection Poster
Feb 2023 – Romance Scams
Feb 2023 – Emergency / Grandparent Scams
Jan 2023 – Tech Support Fraud
Dec 2022 – Holiday Scams