Financial fraud: Quebecers worried and ill-prepared
The use of payment cards and online banking services is now firmly rooted in the habits of Quebecers. However, an overwhelming majority of citizens of La Belle Province say they are not very confident in their ability to spot potential fraud or scams.
This is what a recent survey by TD Bank Group reveals. , on the occasion of Fraud Prevention Month. According to data collected by the group, nearly 8 out of 10 – i.e. 78 % of the citizens – believe that they are unable to identify possible fraud or scams with confidence.
These may include, but are not limited to, the form of fraudulent emails or text messages and phone calls.
At the same time, 47% say they feel more targeted than ever by financial fraud. We also learn in the survey that 44% of Quebecers have not taken any steps to document themselves on fraud prevention in the past year.
The survey also indicates that the rising cost of living and the current difficult economic context are perceived by 35% of Quebecers as factors likely to increase their exposure to fraud.
Faced with these various concerns, the TD Bank Group reiterates that education is the best protection and encourages the population to seek information. In order to reduce the risks, the financial institution recommends consulting its transaction history regularly and securing its passwords.
TD invites citizens to assess the legitimacy of any request received and to discuss these issues with those around them, in order to better detect threats.
