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By Teagan Rasche

If something's too good to be true, it probably is

‘Be vigilant’: Medicine Hat Police Service’s message during Fraud Prevention Month

Mar 2, 2022 | 2:47 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Canada-wide campaign, Fraud Prevention Month, aims to educate citizens getting them to recognize, report and stop fraud.

Sergeant Adam Gregory with the MHPS says anyone has the potential to be a victim of fraud and it costs Canadians an excess of 100 million dollars per year.

“The best steps that people can take are to be vigilant,” Gregory, who works on the Community Support Unit said. “If they are contacted by someone they don’t know is legitimate, take that time to ask questions. Legitimate business people and companies will not have a problem answering questions of customers”

Gregory also suggests that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

“If you did not apply to win something the chances of you winning it are very, very low,” he adds.

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Common reports of fraud in our area include gift cards scams. Gregory has been in touch with many local pharmacies to help them recognize the signs.

“I know that many of them have engaged in a plan to ask people what they’re for and try and stop those purchases from happening,” Gregory said. “We also have the call centre at the Medicine Hat Police Service where people can call in for advice and ask questions and educate themselves even more.”

Each week this month, MHPS will publish an article on a fraud-related topic. This week the focus is on cryptocurrency frauds.

If fraud does take place, Gregory says to report it and the police will investigate. More information can also be found on Alberta’s Community Crime Prevention Association’s website.