Five Fraud-Proofing Steps to Take Now
Turning Fraud Prevention Month into Real Protection
March is Fraud Prevention Month across Canada, with police, regulators, and community groups using this month to spotlight scams that often never get reported. Reported losses last year were in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and Alberta partners are running campaigns and events to help people recognise, reject, and report fraud.
Instead of re‑telling all the scary stories, this Insider Intel focuses on five simple moves you can make this month to reduce the risk that a single scam wipes out years of hard work.
Five steps you can take now
1. Set “no‑exception” rules before the call or email comes
Decide now that you will never move money, share codes, or change banking details based on a phone call, text, or email alone - even if the caller sounds like your bank, the government, or a family member. If something feels urgent or secret (“don’t tell your family or bank”), treat that as an automatic red flag.
2. Create a 10‑minute fraud fire drill for your household
In one place (securely stored), note your real bank phone numbers, card fraud lines, and CRA contact page, plus your own “pause script” to use under pressure. For example: “I don’t make decisions on the spot. I’ll call back on the official number before I do anything with my account.”
Remember: do not call back using the number that just called you, even if it looks like your bank or phone company - spoofing is widespread, so always get the number from your card, your contract, or the official website instead.
3. Pressure‑test one important contract or quote
Pick one big decision this month: a home‑repair quote, a service contract, or an online offer that affects your savings. Before you sign or send a deposit, step back and ask: What’s the rush? What happens if I want out? How do I know this company actually exists or that the reviews are real? If the answers are vague or rushed, slow down.
4. Protect one person in your life
Choose one person - a parent, grandparent, neighbour, or newcomer - and have a simple “here’s what I will never ask you to do by phone or text” conversation. You can also agree on a family code word for emergencies and save key real numbers (family, bank, doctor) in their phone ahead of time.
5. Bookmark where to check and report scams before you act
Take two minutes to bookmark: the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre, the Competition Bureau’s fraud page, and your local police fraud information page, plus your bank’s fraud line. The next time you get a suspicious message, check there first, then contact your bank or police on a trusted number.
Links for your reference:
Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre (main site):
https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htmFraud Prevention Month – Competition Bureau:
https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/fraud-and-scams/fraud-prevention-monthCalgary Police Service – Fraud Prevention Month news page (good “local police” anchor for Calgary-area readers):
https://newsroom.calgary.ca/alberta-launches-fraud-prevention-month/
Where buy better® fits
Fraud Prevention Month is a perfect time to stop “hoping for the best” and put real guardrails around your money with buy better®.
SafeSelect – Get a plain‑language review of contracts, quotes, or big online offers before you sign or send a deposit. If you’re about to commit to a renovation, or major service, this is built for you.
SafeGuard – Book time with a real human who’s on your side when something feels off. Use it as a “phone‑a‑friend before you pay” if you get an urgent request for money or a change to banking details.
SafeSource – Hire us to do the digging for you on companies, offers, and options so you’re not relying on marketing claims and online reviews alone.
If you want backup on a real decision this month, you can explore and request services here on our website.
Insights, never insurance, legal or financial advice.
