Anti-Fraud Resources

Last year, the BBB named Home Improvement as Canada’s most scammable industry; a fact that supported the fire that drives our team’s mission to eliminate fraudulent activity in home improvement. This year, in honour of Fraud Prevention Month, we thought we’d share some resources and tools that you can use to protect yourself from future scams. 

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In today's digital age, where almost every aspect of our lives exists on the internet, the risk of falling victim to scams and frauds has become somewhat of a norm. Whether it's phishing emails, fake websites, identity theft, romance ploys, or fake employment schemes, scammers are constantly devising new ways to exploit unsuspecting individuals. But the good news is that alongside these malicious actors, there are companies and individuals dedicated to providing you with a plethora of tools and resources designed to help you stay protected and avoid getting scammed. So, we thought we’d share with you a few of those anti-fraud resources in this blog post, let’s dive in.

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Government of Canada Anti-Fraud/Fraud Awareness Quiz:

The Government of Canada offers an anti-fraud/fraud awareness quiz that helps individuals test their knowledge and awareness of various types of scams. Taking this quiz can help you better understand common fraud tactics and how to spot them, empowering you to not only protect yourself more effectively, but to also recognize a scam before it even starts.

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Government of Canada Fraud Resources:

Beyond the quiz, the Government of Canada also provides a wealth of other resources, including articles, guides, and tips, to educate Canadians about different types of fraud and how to avoid becoming a victim. These resources cover topics such as identity theft, investment scams, and cybercrime, offering practical advice for staying safe online.

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BBB Scam Tracker:

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker allows users to report and view scams happening in their area. By staying informed about recent scams, you can better recognize suspicious activities and avoid falling victim to similar schemes. Also, we love that you can see which scams are currently active around you, it’s a great way to stay informed.

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BBB 10 Tips To Avoid Getting Scammed Blog Post:

The BBB also provides valuable insights through blog posts and articles, such as their "10 Tips To Avoid Getting Scammed" post. These tips cover a wide range of scam prevention strategies, from verifying the legitimacy of businesses to being cautious when sharing personal information online.

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Informed Delivery with USPS:

Informed Delivery is a service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that provides digital previews of incoming mail. By signing up for this service, you can monitor your mail and quickly identify any unexpected or suspicious correspondence, potentially protecting you from and preventing mail-related fraud.

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Google Reverse Image Search:

Google's reverse image search feature allows you to verify the identity of individuals or the authenticity of images used in online communications. This can be particularly useful in detecting catfishing scams or uncovering fraudulent profiles on social media platforms. Many online dating experts recommend using this tool prior to any back-and-forth communication you have with a new individual.

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Call Blocking Software and Canada's National Do Not Call List:

Utilizing call-blocking software and registering your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry (Do Not Call.gov) can help reduce the number of unwanted and potentially fraudulent calls you receive. These tools can filter out known scam numbers and provide additional protection against phone-based scams.

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By leveraging these anti-fraud resources and implementing best practices for online security, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams and frauds. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your personal information in the digital realm.

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