LPS info session helping residents avoid becoming victims of fraud

By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on October 4, 2024.

Herald photo by Alexandra Noad Sgt. Kevin Talbot of the LPS economic crimes unit shares info on fraud prevention at Lakeview Elementary School on Wednesday evening.

Scams come in many forms, whether it’s a virus on your computer, a fake lover who needs money to come see you, or even what seems to be a grandchild who needs help to get out of a pickle. The result of all these scams ends the same: the loss of money or personal information.

The Lethbridge Police Service held an information session Wednesday on how residents can best protect themselves against fraud.

Just last month LPS charged two men two men for their part in grandparent scams in which they used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to mimic the voices of relatives of the victims to make them seam more credible.

Sgt. Kevin Talbot spoke to citizens the most common scams, as well as ways they can protect themselves.

The most common scams people will be in contact are computer phishing scams, CRA scams, grandparent scams, lottery scams, extortion scams and love scams.

These scams come in many forms such as text messages, phone calls, social media, and dating apps.

As before mentioned, many of these scammers use AI technology to seem legitimate and Talbot’s advice is to ask questions and do research before sending any personal information or money.

“There’s no rush. You will be told to hurry up and send money now. Reject it. There’s no rush to do this, even if they claim that your grandson is in trouble and you hurry up and send money,” said Talbot.

Along with not rushing to send money, Talbot also recommends making social medias as private as possible to help prevent scammers from using your likeness.

For those who have been scammed, he says to not be afraid to report them to the police.

“We are not going to laugh at you. We’re going to take it seriously. We’re going to do what we can for you and hopefully we can get to a positive conclusion, but if not, that information is important,” said Talbot.

According to an article on the RCMP website the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre estimates only five to 10 per cent of people who have experienced fraud will report it.

Unfortunately, with the internet, many scammers are not located in Canada so being able to track them, however, Talbot says some jurisdictions, such as homeland security in the United States, are great to work with.

The bottom line of Talbot’s presentation was to not send any money to anyone you haven’t met in person and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh says the LPS are always willing to listen to any concerns the community may have.

“If you have anything on your mind, you can always reach out us. You don’t have to wait until a town hall. If there’s something keeping you up at night, please give us a call,” said Mehdizadeh.

The next LPS town hall will take place on November 6 where they will focus on property crimes. Time and location will be provided at a later date.