Cybercriminal Activity on the Rise During Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, cybercriminals are ramping up their scams, preying on the promise of financial aid and heightened consumer activity. Residents like Behruz, a self-employed individual from Coquitlam, are feeling the impact of this surge.

A Personal Struggle with Fraudulent Activity

Behruz has become a frequent target of anonymous calls, emails, and text messages. His public-facing phone number, necessary for his work, has made him especially vulnerable. "This isn’t just my problem; resolving it requires action from a higher level," Behruz explains, expressing frustration over the time lost to managing these scams.

Recently, Behruz narrowly avoided falling victim to a scam. He received a call from someone posing as a representative from his bank, armed with his details and claiming to address a security issue with his bank card. However, the scammer’s inability to provide his card number raised red flags. When Behruz insisted on verification, the caller abruptly hung up.

Concerned, Behruz visited his bank, where he confirmed the call was fraudulent. Bank staff advised him to change his card’s PIN as a precautionary measure.

The Growing Threat to Vulnerable Populations

Behruz worries that seniors are particularly at risk of falling for such schemes. "Educational workshops are essential to raise public awareness," he says, emphasizing the need for widespread efforts to inform citizens about the tactics of cybercriminals.

He also calls on the government to take stronger action to combat cyber fraud, urging for more robust protections and resources to safeguard individuals from these persistent threats.

Staying Vigilant

With cybercrime on the rise during this festive period, Behruz’s experience serves as a reminder to remain cautious. Verifying unsolicited contacts, reporting suspicious activity, and staying informed about common scams are key steps in preventing financial loss and frustration.

By fostering awareness and advocating for systemic change, individuals and communities can work together to mitigate the risks posed by cybercriminals.

Guest: Behruz Janami

Journalist: Majid Mahichi

Skyrise Media Society