As part of Fraud Prevention Month - a month-long national initiative that helps Canadians recognize, prevent and report fraudulent activities - the Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection BC are teaming up to help British Columbians avoid being the victim of a phishing scam.

Phishing or brand spoofing is when scammers create web pages or email messages from what appear to be well-known and trusted businesses like a bank or credit card company. The goal of these fraudsters is to trick you into submitting sensitive data, such as credit card numbers, bank account information, social insurance numbers and passwords that will be used to commit fraud. By simply clicking on one of these phishing emails and supplying your personal information, you could become a victim of this prevalent fraud.

Don't be a target for phishing scams:

• Protect your computer with anti-virus software, spyware filters, email filters and firewall programs.

• Do not reply to any email that requests your personal information - even if it looks like your bank is asking for a payment because they claim your credit card bill is overdue.

• Look for misspelled words.

• Do not send personal data over public wireless networks as they may or may not be secure.

• If you receive a suspicious email, contact the real institution as well as the Canadian Anti- Fraud Centre at 1 888 495-8501 or at: info@antifraudcentre.ca

Learn More:

If you have questions about your rights and responsibilities as a consumer in British Columbia, please contact Consumer Protection BC toll free at 1 888 564-9963 or visit: www.consumerprotectionbc.ca

For more information about Fraud Prevention Month, visit: www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/h_00122.html

Media Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961

Consumer Protection BC
1 888 564-9963 ext. 2824
media@consumerprotectionbc.ca