SnowbirdAlert Cybercrime is on the rise The Royal CanadianMounted Police (RCMP) reports that thousands of Canadians are falling victim to fraud every year and that the number of cyberattacks is rapidly escalating. In addition, they say that scammers are becoming more and more creative, using increasingly sophisticated ways to target people of all ages. They also say, however, that the public is not defenceless − emphasizing that the first lines of defence against cyberscammers are education and awareness. In today’s digital world, learning how these attacks work and how to identify them is crucial. Detailed information about various cybercrime techniques can be found online at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca (the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website). Managed by the RCMP, it is Canada’s repository for data, intelligence and resource material related to various kinds of fraud. The website provides a wealth of information regarding how to protect yourself against cyberattacks and what to do if you become a victim. In an effort to combat the thousands of new scams every year, the Better Business Bureau cites some important things to remember in order to protect yourself against fraudsters. Most seem like simple common sense, but nevertheless bear stressing. Never send money to someone whom you have never met face to face. Never do it, especially if they ask you to use a wire transfer, a prepaid debit card or a gift card, which are all as good as cash in the hands of scammers. Misleading“natural” food labels Just because a processed food item is labelled with the word “natural,” doesn’t necessarily mean that it is – nor does it guarantee a healthier product. Consumer Reports has stated that the “natural” label can be little more than a marketing strategy which can easily fool consumers. A recent survey showed that two-thirds of health-conscious shoppers prefer to buy processed foodmarked “natural” on the general assumption that the product is free of toxic pesticides, artificial ingredients or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). A food represented as natural should not contain, or ever have contained, an added vitamin, mineral nutrient, artificial flavouring agent or food additive. Also, it should not have been submitted to processes that significantly altered its original physical, chemical or biological state. According toThe Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), “Nature,” “Natural,” “Mother Nature” and “Nature’sWay,” are oftenmisused on labels and in advertisements. The CFIA states that such labels and advertisements should not convey the impression that “Nature” has, by some miraculous process, made certain foods nutritionally superior to others, or has specially engineered foods to take care of human needs. The CFIA says that it is currently evolving to meet the challenges of a complex and changing food-safety environment. In this regard, there is a Food Labelling Modernization initiative underway to develop a more modern food labelling system. In the meantime, consumers should check the fine print on foods marked “natural” to determine if the label is justified. 1. Don’t click on links or open attachments in an unsolicited e-mail. Links can download malware onto your computer and steal your identity. 2. Don’t believe everything you see, since fraudsters are skilled at mimicking legitimate and trusted sources…oftentimes copying a company’s logo. 3. Never share personally identifiable information with someone who has contacted you unsolicited, whether it’s over the phone, by e-mail, social media or even at your front door. 4. Don’t be pressed to act immediately. Cybercrooks want to push you into action before you have time to think and weigh validity. 5. Be cautious about what you share on social media. Imposters often get information about their targets from their online interactions. They can make themselves sound like a friend or family member because they know so much about you. 6. Use secure, traceable transactions when making payment for goods and services. Do not pay by wire transfer, prepaid money card, gift card or other non-traditional payment methods. Say no to cash-only deals, high-pressure sales tactics and high upfront payments. 7. Use secure, traceable transactions when making payment for goods and services. Do not pay by wire transfer, prepaid money card, gift card or other non-traditional payment methods. Say no to cash-only deals, high-pressure sales tactics and high upfront payments. 6 | www.snowbirds.org
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