How to Protect Yourself from Fraud and Scams
Posted by Medavie Blue Cross on March 17, 2022
How to Protect Yourself from Fraud and Scams
Posted by Medavie Blue Cross on March 17, 2022
We spend a lot of time in front of screens these days, but we don’t always know who is on the other side.
As we've grown more reliant on digital services and mobile devices for everything from shopping to banking, our exposure to online crime has also increased.
Fraudsters and scammers are always looking for ways to take advantage of a crisis or event that raises fears and anxieties. During the pandemic, fraudsters and scammers were quick to adapt their methods and find new ways to prey on vulnerable Canadians and cheat them out of their hard-earned money.
10 Ways to Stay Safe from Cyber Criminals
- The best way to prevent yourself from falling victim to online crime is to be knowledgeable. This involves being informed and alert. Get familiar with the different types of scams and always report fraud.
- Only share information with those you know and trust. Never reply to a spam email or text message from an individual or organization you’ve never heard of.
- If a caller asks you for personal information, such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN), credit card or banking information, refuse. Don’t share personal information on social media.
- Just say no to telemarketers who are insisting you buy something or send money right away. Take time to do you your research and don’t feel pressured to act. Request information and hang up.
- Beware of upfront fees. There are no prize fees or taxes in Canada, so if you won a prize it's free.
- Install anti-virus software on your computer and mobile device and keep your operating system up to date.
- Create strong and unique passwords for every online account you have. Using a minimum of 8 characters including upper- and lower-case letters, and at least 1 number and a symbol.
- Enable multi-factor authentication. Only log into accounts from secure sources. Don’t give remote access to your computer unless it’s a member of your IT team at work or a trusted local technician.
- Watch out for fake or deceptive ads, or spoofed emails. Always verify the company you’re dealing with is legitimate. If you receive a suspicious email delete it.
- Be wary of free downloads and requests for passwords. A free trial that requires your credit card could be costly, once unexpected charges are added.
Prevent Health Insurance Fraud
At Medavie Blue Cross, our focus is on protecting benefit plans from health insurance fraud. This type of fraud can involve submitting false, deceiving or misleading information for the purpose of financial gain. Making a fraudulent claim is a serious crime that hurts everyone. The financial losses from health insurance fraud can result in higher premiums and decreased coverage for plan members and their families and even job layoffs in cases of large-scale fraud. We all have a role to play in fighting fraud. Visit our top tips to help protect your plans from fraud.
Fraud Prevention Month in March reminds us of the importance to recognize, reject and report fraud.
Report Fraud or Unethical Behaviour
Medavie Blue Cross has a tool to help address and prevent health care fraud and abuse and ensure ethical behaviour in all our dealings. The Medavie Blue Cross Fraud and Ethics Reporting Service. System empowers everyone to take an active role in preventing or addressing fraudulent or unethical behaviour. The service is quick, safe and easy to use, and completely anonymous. You can file your report through a secure website or by calling toll free at 1-800-661-9675. Professionally trained, bilingual agents are available 24 hours a day to take your calls.
Want to Learn More?
- The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association offers 10 Top Tips to keep your information and health benefits safe from fraud.
- The Government of Canada suggests multiple ways you can Get Cyber Safe.
- Continue to explore our Living Well Hub for more blogs on fraud prevention including 10 Tips to Protect your Health Benefits from Fraud.
Medavie Blue Cross is a premier all-in-one carrier that provides health, dental, travel, life and disability benefits and administers federal and provincial government-sponsored health programs. Together with Medavie Health Services, we are part of Medavie, a health solutions partner committed to improving the wellbeing of Canadians. We are in the...