Niche fraud online
By Malcolm and John Harding of Compu-Home
Everyone who uses the internet is vulnerable to online fraud but certain groups are increasingly targeted by criminals who focus on their specific vulnerabilities. We all would do well to become aware of the ways in which friends and relatives (and we ourselves) are in groups that are susceptible and be willing to step in, both to alert them and guide them on how to protect themselves. Fortunately, online resources are often available to provide first-step warnings and strategies. We have listed a few of the best, but Google offers lots more.
Recent immigrants
Fraud targeting newcomers takes advantage of unfamiliarity with Canadian languages, laws, and practices that are in place to protect us. The job market and workplaces in Canada may be very different from what immigrants were used to back home. The marketplace, offering goods and services including credit, can be a trap.
Online resources:
- Five Common Scams that Target Newcomers – New Canadians Magazine
- Fraud Targeting Newcomers – Government of Canada
Seniors
People who have less experience with technology may not have been exposed to fraudulent tactics and may therefore be more trusting than is safe. It is easy to fall victim to scams on a personal level, in social media or on dating sites.
Online resources:
- Tips to Protect Older Adults from Fraud – allseniorscare.com
- 6 Practical Tips to Protect Seniors from Financial Fraud – Government of Quebec
- Helping Protect Seniors from Fraud and Identity Theft – Equifax
People managing their finances
Here we have the two extremes – people in financial hardship who may grasp at what seems like a rescue and others who are relatively comfortable, but whose assets offer an alluring target. Fraudsters are skilled at finding and exploiting both categories of victim.
Online resources
- Protect Yourself from Fraud – Government of Canada
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre – Government of Canada
- Combatting Financial Crime – RCMP
Young adults and teenagers
Young people may have an inflated sense of savvy regarding sharing information and fall victim to financial and personal schemes that range from embarrassing to downright dangerous. It can be difficult to convince young people that they need guidance in areas where they lack experience.
Online resources
• Protecting Teens and Young Adults from Social Media Fraud – thewhitehatter.ca
Online shoppers – websites and email
“Spoof” websites that mimic legitimate and well-known companies are widespread. A call to the telephone numbers or email replies to these fake sites can become a slippery slope to inflated prices for useless or non-existent products and services. Ads on social media sites and even Google search results can be examples of a spoof.
Email that is simply high-pressure advertising from real companies selling cyber-protection is often interspersed with even worse imposters warning you that your computer and personal security are already severely compromised and that you are in danger unless you “click here” to buy some useless utility. That “McAfee” message probably did not really come from McAfee.
Online resources
- Protecting Yourself Online – Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Government of Canada
- Fake Websites for Real Companies are Scamming Canadian Consumers and Businesses – CBC
- Scam Alert: Antivirus Scam Emails Targeting Your Inbox – which.co.uk
