(NC)-You’ve got mail! You’ve just won a million dollars and need only pay a $100 handling fee to collect. There’s a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity overseas that will return thousands on your initial investment. A distant relative has passed away and you are the only heir – and only a few dollars are required to release your inheritance.
These are just three examples of fraud that cost victims millions every year, according to Chris Ferguson, Director of Ontario’s Consumer Protection Branch. Victims pay the fees – and never get the promised money.
“Mail fraud is a multi-billion-dollar business in North America,” says Ferguson. “Fraudsters will grab your cash and your personal information, and use that information to empty your bank account, use up your credit or steal your identity.”
What goes out of your mailbox is also worrisome. According to Canada Post, mail thieves take bills, statements and other items from mailboxes and use account numbers to commit fraud.
“We know that mail thieves use change-of-address cards to redirect mail,” adds Ferguson. “They mine the mail for victim’s financial information.” Stolen mail is a goldmine of information used to get fraudulent loans, social benefits and credit cards.
Take these steps to help avoid mail fraud and identity theft:
. Lock your mailbox.
. Get family or friends to collect your mail when you are away or file a Hold Mail request with the post office.
. Shred any papers with account numbers on them before throwing away.
. Ask questions if bills stop arriving – no one is paying them for you!
Suspect mail fraud or identity theft? Notify your financial institutions, credit card companies, police and PhoneBusters (1-888-495-8501). Check your credit file and discuss if you should have a fraud alert placed on your file. If a government document has been stolen, notify the issuing authority.
For more information on how to protect yourself from identity theft and other scams, and your rights under the Consumer Protection Act, go to http://www.ontario.ca/consumerprotection or call toll-free 1-866-351-5655.
Credit: www.newscanada.com