Top Ten Online Frauds so far in 2015

 

Top Ten Online Frauds so far in 2015

According to the RCMP’s Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, here are the ten most frequent online financial frauds so far in 2015 based on number complaints. Note: the victim numbers only reflect those that reported the crime to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

1.    Phishing has victimized 211 people so far in 2015 with a total dollar loss of $80,330.
2.    Merchandise frauds has victimized 195 people thus far in 2015 with a total dollar loss of $190,537.
3.    Sale of merchandise has victimized 192 people thus far in 2015 and resulted in a dollar loss of $232,313.
4.    Counterfeit Merchandise has victimized139 people so far in 2015 with a total reported dollar loss of $45,614 If we are rounding, which it appears we are, this would be $45,615
5.    Romance scams have victimized 100 people thus far in 2015 with a reported total dollar loss of $1,843,622.
6.    Service-related fraud has victimized 88 people so far this year with a total dollar loss of $407,027. 
7.    Loan scams have victimized 69 people thus far in 2015 with a total dollar loss of $245,510.
8.    Job-related financial fraud has victimized 61 people so far this year with a total dollar loss of $180,721.
9.    Extortion has victimized 17 people thus far in 2015 with a total dollar loss of $9,139.
10. Prize-related financial fraud has victimized 16 people so far this year with a total dollar loss of $38,146.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports that, in 2014, a total of 6,748 Canadians reported being victimized by online financial fraud. In total, these crimes resulted in a dollar loss of in excess of 20-million ($20,683,323).

Reporting fraud is essential to fighting scammers. People can report actual or suspected fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by visiting www.antifraudcentre.ca or calling toll free 1-888-495-8501.  

For more information on how to protect yourself and your family from fraud and identity theft, check out my latest book, Protecting You and Your Money – A Guide to Avoiding Identity Theft and Fraud, published by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada- click here for more information.