! Tips

Contact CSA - The Canadian Securities Administrators have compiled many resources to help educate the public on frauds and scams. Go to www.securities-administrators.ca to find some of these resources.

Don't give out your personal information - Banks, credit card companies and other legitimate businesses will never ask you to provide personal information via e-mail. If you get an e-mail that appears to be from your financial institution asking you for confidential information, do not click on any links provided and do not give out any information.

Install anti-virus software, a firewall, and anti-spyware software - These programs can prevent fraudsters from hacking into your computer to steal your information.

online safety

Young people are often the targets of scams and fraud, especially online. You and your child need to be aware of the different types of frauds and scams that are out there, so you can take precautionary measures, stay safe and protect your money.

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Make a checklist

The Internet is a quick and easy way for scam artists to find potential victims for their investment schemes. In this environment, fraudsters can operate anonymously from anywhere in the world, which makes them almost impossible to catch. Once you've given your money to an online scam artist, it's likely gone for good. Sit down with your child and talk about safety and the Internet. When you are at the computer together, open your e-mail account and go through some of the following questions with a few of your messages.

Before opening an e-mail, answer these questions:

  • Do I know the person sending me this attachment by e-mail? Be aware that it is possible to fake the address an e-mail has come from, so if you weren't expecting an attachment from the sender, check with them before opening it.
  • Do I know this company and where they are located?
  • Is there a padlock or padlock and keys icon?
  • Does the website address begin with https - not just http?
  • Did I contact the company, or did they contact me?
  • If the company contacted me, do I know they are who they say they are?