With reports of identity theft and fraud popping up everywhere, especially during the recent tax season, residents are left wondering how they can keep their valuables safe from criminals. Affinity Credit Union in David- son hosted a lively workshop focused on prevention and security to more than 50 people on April 29. Professionals from Davidson and Watrous Affinity Credit Union invited Davidson and area to a ‘Lunch and Learn’ session on Identity Theft and Fraud Prevention. A free pulled pork, beans, and salad lunch was provided to every- one that attended the event at the Davidson Senior Centre.

The workshop was developed by Each One, Teach One (EOTO), a program managed by the Canadian Credit Union Association. The organization trains employees of Canadian credit unions to deliver financial education workshops in their communities.  EOTO offers workshops and online modules designed to help with financial decisions, goals and plans. The plain language instruction, without any ties to products or services, has shown to be popular with those that have attended the workshop. The lunch hour was fast paced but informative, covering a variety of topics, including definitions, types of scams (online and phone), and identity theft risks identifying actions people could do immediately to protect themselves in an increasingly digital world. The informal structure of the workshop invited people to share their experiences dealing with fraud and identity theft. Fraud and identity theft often go unreported due to shame or embarrassment, but talking about it is important.

Some of the anecdotes offered by guests were new even to the workshop leaders, which further emphasized that sharing these stories with friends and family is important to prevention. People learned that safety starts in the real world. Instructors recommended shredding documents like bills and even receipts that include vital personal information criminals need to perpetuate identity theft. Another common oversight is storing personal documents in unattended vehicles, including vehicle registration. For documents like registration and passports, they should be stored on your person when in use or safely stored away when not. Workshop leaders further recommended safeguards for cheques. They recommend not ordering too many at once to limit out-of-sequence cheques going unnoticed, a common risk in the theft of a cheque book. When travelling, people are advised to be less trusting in public access Wi-Fi than they are at home with personal Wi-Fi.

Due to the openness and weak security of public Wi-Fi, online banking or online shopping should never be done when connected to them. Even use of social media should be avoided, since it puts your personal information at risk to anyone nearby the Wi-Fi hotspot. Emails are another ploy thieves use to gain access to personal information. Common signs of a fraudulent email are spelling errors, links to suspicious websites, requests for personal information, and requests/notifications from banks, Canada Revenue Agency, and even SGI for money refunds or money owing. If a person is at all suspicious of an email they should call the purported sender using their official phone numbers found on their websites, phone book, or business cards. Don’t assume the number on the suspicious email is safe. It’s likely a hotline straight to a criminal. When browsing the Internet, ensure that the address bar starts with ‘HTTPS’ and not just ‘HTTP.’ Also, look for a lock icon near the address which ensures the communications are private between you and the website.

Most importantly, scams often involve money and a sense of urgency. People should take time to consider what they are going into. Enticements should never include warnings not to talk to anyone about what you’re doing. Instead, talk to friends, families, or even bankers. A red flag might be readily apparent to someone not under pressure. Finally, check your bank statements and report all incidents to the RCMP and/or bank. Spotting illegal activity helps keep everyone safe.