News Release - Winnipeg Police Service

Monday, March 16, 2015   Fraud Awareness Month – Tips to Consider The Winnipeg Police Service would like to take this week of Fraud Prevention Month to remind citizens that it is important to protect yourself against identity theft.   Identity theft occurs when criminals involved in fraud steal information related to your identity; name, date of birth, Social Insurance Number, Passport, Income Tax documents,  etc.  The information collected by the scammer will then be used for various purposes such as obtaining credit in your name or the opening of accounts such as cellular phone contracts.  Identity Theft can create havoc with your credit for several weeks, months or even years.   This video created by the Bank of Canada on YouTube demonstrates this problem.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwnYUVmcfQU&index=3&list=PL0F99C5ACBEE1346C   The criminals will use several techniques to collect your information including "dumpster diving" where they will gather documents that were discarded.   Shred all your documents that have your name or personal information on it.  You can either purchase a shredder or use a shredding service.   This year Winnipeg Police Service is holding a FREE shredding day with Shred-It at St. Vital Mall on March 27 between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm.  Maximum two bags or boxes per person.  Find us at the "Shred-It" truck!   Another method the fraudsters have of obtaining your information is through your email.  Never open any emails from people you do not know because it might open a virus that can obtain your information.  Also,never provide any personal information over the internet or over the phone if you have not initiated the contact.  A financial institution will never email or call you and ask for your account details.   For more information about frauds go to www.antifraudcentre.ca   Be part of the conversation!  Twitter event on March 24th from 6-8 pm at #WPSFraudSquad.  A financial crimes investigator will be available to answer your questions.   For further information contact either: Constable Jason Michalyshen, Public Information Officer Constable Eric Hofley, Public Information Officer Detective Sergeant Natalie Aitken, Public Information Officer Phone: (204) 986-3061 | Fax: (204) 986-3267 | Email: WPS-PIO@Winnipeg.ca Share this mailing with your social network by clicking on the appropriate link:       Related Winnipeg Police Service Report a Crime Online Crime Stoppers CrimeStat Unsubscribe If you do not want to receive these emails anymore, unsubscribe. Please do not reply to this email. This e-mail was sent from a notification-only address and replies are not monitored. Mailing address: City of Winnipeg, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3B 1B9 Privacy Statement The City of Winnipeg values your privacy. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties. You are receiving this email as a result of your signing up for the Winnipeg Police Service Email News list offered on the City of Winnipeg website. You may unsubscribe or change your subscription options at any time.