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Fraud protection tips

This is a letter that was written to the community of Bowen Island from a person who fraudulently represented themselves as collecting money for a charity.

This is a letter that was written to the community of Bowen Island from a person who fraudulently represented themselves as collecting money for a charity. This letter is being submitted through Corporal Joyce of the Bowen Island RCMP as a public service announcement:

Dear residents of Bowen Island,
If you were to be approached and asked to give donations to a charity would you know if it were real or fraudulent?
A surprising amount of people are victims to fraudulent crimes and never even realize it. For the people of Bowen Island who wouldn't know if it were fraud, I am going to teach you how to protect yourself from these types of situations.
Firstly always check for an official charity name and trade mark, keeping in mind the person asking for donations could also be impersonating the charity. Always remember to ask questions, where is your money going, what is this person doing with it? See if the answers they give are legitimate with the charities information.
Ask them to show you some ID (keeping in mind this could also be fraudulent). If you notice they seem to be nervous by you questioning them or are pressuring you to donate be suspicious. See if they take checks not just cash and when writing out the check see if they put it under the charity name and not their own name. Ask to get a receipt and make sure it has the charity's official name and trademark, be suspicious if they can't get you one.
If you follow these steps and have suspicions the person might be committing fraud, call the organization and ask about this person who was allegedly representing them to fundraise. If any further action is needed you have now contacted the charity and you should then call your local RCMP with all the information regarding the matter.
The bottom line is give wisely! Giving to a known charity you're confident about is the best option. If you are ever approached and asked for donations follow these steps to ensure your money goes where you want it.
I myself have committed fraud. I feel terrible about doing so, and this letter is to help protect a wonderful community and ensure no one gets fooled by someone committing fraud.