Scammers can pose as professionals you know and trust: regulators urge caution
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Seemingly normal situations
Scammers are constantly refining their tactics. Nowadays, many scams take on the appearance of a totally legitimate interaction with a professional. They achieve this mainly by preying on the trust and communication habits of their targeted victims, which is why everyone is vulnerable, regardless of age and technological literacy level.Honing your instincts: the best way to stop cyber fraud
While requests may be legitimate, these organizations remind you that some situations warrant an additional check:
- a sudden request to change contact or banking information;
- an urgent request that requires immediate action;
- a link in an email or text message from an unknown source;
- a request to transmit personal or confidential information;
- unexpected changes in certain documents, or unusual activity in the management of an individual’s finances;
- a service offer that seems too good to be true.
Caution on all sides
Cyber risk prevention is a shared responsibility of professionals who have an obligation to protect their clients’ personal information. The Chambre des notaires, the Quebec CPA Order and the Chambre de l’assurance encourage the public to talk about security measures with the professionals they do business with. They suggest:
- learning about the various ways in which personal information and confidential documents can be sent securely: For example, copies of identification documents should not be sent by email;
- agreeing on the communication methods that will be used and their frequency at the beginning of the client-professional relationship, so that it is easier to spot discrepancies;
- talking to professionals about the risks of fraud and the business practices they use to prevent them, especially when it comes to retaining and destroying their clients’ personal data; and
- finding out the measures professionals will take in the event of an incident.
Checking: a habit that increases security
Members of the public have the right to ask questions and receive explanations. Professionals expect caution and encourage it: They are trained and regulated to prevent cyber risks and protect their clients’ personal information. Checking is not impolite – it is a protective gesture. At a time when scammers are trying to imitate credible communications and create a sense of urgency, checking becomes a necessary habit to develop for cybersecurity.
Quotes
“Fraudsters often take advantage of the trust that citizens place in notaries. Since many notarial procedures involve sensitive information, it’s not always easy to distinguish a legitimate request from an attempt at fraud. When it comes to transferring funds or sending confidential documents, taking a few minutes to verify the information with your notary can make all the difference.”
“CPAs help their clients every day make decisions that involve confidential financial information, and notice that the most important signs of fraud are often the most subtle. Scams can unfold gradually, starting with seemingly harmless irregularities, and cause major financial losses if left unquestioned or unchecked. Caution is still one of the best prevention methods.”
– Geneviève Mottard, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Quebec CPA Order
“Trustworthy professionals will be able to give you clear and thorough explanations about why they are asking you for your personal information and how they will use and keep that information. When in doubt, ask questions: If you don’t receive a clear answer, you need to check before sending anything.”
– Chantal Lamoureux, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chambre de l’assurance
About the Chambre des notaires du Québec
The Chambre des notaires du Québec is the professional order of over 3,900 notaries. Its mission is to protect the public by promoting preventive legal practice, supporting high-quality notarial services for the public, and promoting access to justice for all.
About the Quebec CPA Order
The Quebec CPA Order has 42,000 members and 5,000 future CPAs, making it the third largest professional order in Quebec. The Order ensures the protection of the public and the visibility of the profession. It represents all areas of expertise of the accounting profession, including financial reporting, management accounting, strategy and governance, audit and assurance, finance and taxation.
About the Chambre de l’assurance
The Chambre de l’assurance protects the public by guiding the professional practice of its 37,000 members. It oversees the continuing education, ethics and professional discipline of life and health insurance representatives, group insurance representatives, financial planners, damage insurance agents, damage insurance brokers and claims adjusters.
Sources:
Kimberly Rousseau
Conseillère en communication professionnelle et corporative
Chambre des notaires du Québec
medias@cnq.org | 514 923-2902
Velma Boal
Directrice, Communications institutionnelles
Ordre des CPA du Québec
affairespubliques@cpaquebec.ca | 514 803-8206
Gabrielle Lachance
Conseillère principale, communications stratégiques
Chambre de l’assurance
glachance@chambreassurance.ca |514 470-5535
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