Northern Saskatchewan is not immune to this growing concern of persistent cyber-crime. The primary service provider in our territory is SASKTEL for internet, cellular and telephone. We have an extensive interview with Greg Jacobs, External Relations Manager with SASKTEL on how to identify scams, and ways to protect your finances and personal information.

The improved technology in internet connectivity has increased the opportunities for criminals to gain access to your accounts and private information. Customers and consumers must be ‘scam smart’ to protect their families from tactics such as ‘phishing’ and service scams. The website www.antifraudcentre.ca provides valuable information on the latest scams and how to identify potential fraudsters.

Mr. Jacobs describes the fraud activities originating from anywhere in the world wide web and must be reported to warn other customers of the threat and to get law enforcement to pursue criminal charges. The ‘bad actors’ must be identified, and customers must know how to protect themselves.

Customers must keep a record of all bank and credit card company contact information for quick access, when you have been victimized you must contact your bank/creditor to stop and freeze accounts.

The following information is important for victims of cybercrime or scam attempts:

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (PhoneBusters) - 1 888 495 8501

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP Beauval) - 1 306 288 2064 SASKTEL – 1 800 727 5835 or 1 800 SASKTEL – www.sasktel.com Equifax Credit Services – 1 800 465 7166 – www.transunion.ca TransUnion Credit Services – 1 800 663 9980 – www.equifax.ca