Fraud Myths
Fraud Myths
A variety of myths surround fraud and victims of fraud. Knowing how fraud works can help protect you against this crime.
Myth: Those who commit fraud only target older adults.
Fact: Fraud is a crime that threatens all Canadians, regardless of background, education, age, gender or income.
Myth: Victims of fraud should have known better.
Fact: Those who commit fraud have demonstrated their adaptability in applying innovative and non-traditional techniques to target a variety of populations. It can happen to anyone. Fraud is a crime that threatens all Canadians, regardless of background, education, age, gender or income.
Myth: Fraud is not a serious crime.
Fact: Too often, the impact of fraud on victims is believed to be limited to financial losses. Although victims can experience substantial financial losses, the impacts of fraud are far broader than just financial. People have reported significant relationship hardships and psychological impacts following their victimization, including feelings of self-doubt, disbelief, embarrassment, stress and isolation, as well as a loss of confidence and a loss of trust.
Myth: I have already been a victim of fraud; it can't happen to me again.
Fact: Once you have been the victim of fraud, you are vulnerable to re-victimization and you may be targeted again. This can happen because your personal information is being shared among perpetrators with the mention that you have already fallen victim to a fraud. Those who commit fraud may pose as government officials or authority figures and may promise to recover your money.