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FORT McMURRAY — With recent headlines about breaches in data and personal information, the Wood Buffalo RCMP are urging residents to take steps to protect themselves from identity theft and fraud.
Police say criminals can obtain personal information through phishing scams, data breaches, mail theft and other forms of deception, then use that information to commit financial crimes.
RCMP are advising residents to regularly review bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions and to report any suspicious activity immediately. They also recommend requesting a credit report to check for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries.
Investigators warn stolen information is often used to create convincing emails, phone calls or text messages designed to trick people into sharing sensitive details.
Residents are encouraged to use strong, unique passwords for online accounts and enable multi-factor authentication where possible. Police also advise limiting the sharing of personal information, such as social insurance numbers, and keeping important documents secure.
Those concerned about fraud can contact a credit bureau to place an alert on their file to help prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened.
Inspector Troy Switzer, acting officer in charge of the Wood Buffalo RCMP, says verifying unexpected messages and avoiding unknown links are key steps in staying safe.
Police say anyone who believes they may be a victim of fraud or identity theft should report it to local authorities and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre as soon as possible.
Officials say early reporting can help limit damage and support ongoing investigations.
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