ON THE CRIME OF FRAUD and SCAM: WHAT VICTIMS CAN DO
Toronto-Canada
January 30, 2020
The fraud and scam menace, nowadays, is becoming prevalent. As complaints and chatters reached all corners, the "crime to persons" is happening and becoming a problem in the Filipino Canadian community for some time. The horrible schemes that are perpetrated ranged in different styles and varying degrees of unlawful violations and behaviours, from credit/debit card fraud to romance scam and from immigration to investment scams.
Lawyers cautioned that "fraudsters do not discriminate". There are unfortunate victims as a result. To the poor victims, the impact is great financially and psychologically. And, they are unabated to a point. Helping victims is in order.
What should one do if they become a victim? There are immediate ways to do: 1) Contact the police service that has jurisdiction in your town or city 2) File a report so that the authorities and others are aware of the situation 3) Contact your financial institution or your bank 4) Keep evidence and documents as much as possible for investigation purposes 5) Connect with services that provide free counselling and mental health supports, and 6) Seek professional assistance or enlist legal help, if possible.
Victims are also encouraged to immediately work towards possible recovery and restitution. Recovery, however, does not come easily. It may require more work on the part of the victim. Consider too that recovery may involve both financial and psychological fallouts. Psychologically, it is about "facing any emotional trauma" caused by the crime. Seek help from family and friends to "process feelings and restore mental health". Full financial recovery, on the other hand, according to observers and recovery experts is difficult to achieve – even when a restitution order is made by a court, victims rarely regain their losses in full. Victims who suffered tremendous losses need to understand that although full recovery of lost assets may not be possible, they can take back control of their lives and financial futures. Victims can put an end to the trauma and stress of being victimized by being emotionally strong and becoming a determined advocate in assisting other victims in the future. Be fully cognizant and be "realistic to the bone".
To get the victim's money back, filing a small claim or a civil lawsuit can be a legal option. But they take time and can be very costly, as many would admit. After experiencing financial losses, some victims don't have the financial resources to pursue civil litigation. Ability is needed to identify and seize assets or garnish wages from the offender. Collecting restitution once ordered by the court in a civil judgement is a provincial jurisdiction and provincially, somehow is enforceable at the victim's expense. Check and consult with your lawyer, legal practitioners or law authorities.
In our community and even in other communities, financial fraud is real. It occurs and has devastating effects. To combat fraud or scamming, prevention method and education are important parts. With both financial and emotional losses, and suffering often painful feelings such as anger, fear, and frustration, victims of fraud are unhappy and unable to cope and recover from the bad experience. It is good to remember that being defrauded is never the victim’s fault, as perpetrators are often skilled manipulators and evil offenders.
Reporting the crime courageously is very important and can help prevent others from suffering similar fates. Always remember the adage: "If it is too good to be true....walk away." There is a silver lining nevertheless that fraud victims can rebuild their lives with time, understanding and supports. The fraudsters must be stopped and punished. Lawfully, as always, crime does not pay! (Tony A. San Juan, OCT-Ret.)