Fraud

Don’t fall victim to CERB fraud – RCMP

Jun 8, 2020 | 5:06 AM

SURREY — RCMP are warning the public not to fall victim to fraud or crime during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since Ottawa launched the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), RCMP notes it’s been the subject of a number of scams.

Police continue to receive reports of service scams, phishing scams and identity related scams related to the CERB.

They say third party companies are offering to assist you with government applications; including CERB. Once you receive the money, you also receive an invoice for their services. Some companies may suggest that this fee covers the taxable portion of the income. Additionally, many of these companies may seem to be associated to the government, but they are not.

Police say criminals are also using stolen identities to open bank accounts and submit CERB applications in your good name.

The phishing scams are sent by email or text and the messaging suggests that you can submit an application, that your information needs to be confirmed or that your payment asked to submit your personal information. Providing your personal or financial information puts you at risk for identity fraud.

RCMP say you can protect yourself by learning everything you need to know about the CERB and submit an application. By not responding to unsolicited emails or text messages and by immediately reporting any unauthorized credit applications to the associated financial institution and the credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion.

If you think you’ve been the victim of fraud call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report online at www.antifraudcentre.ca.