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By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Sask. RCMP report 81 per cent spike in fraud reports

Jun 17, 2025 | 2:24 PM

Editors note: The RCMP issued a correction on June 19 to say the numbers in the 2014 fraud statistics have been updated and the Saskatchewan RCMP crime analysts noted a 192 per cent increase in reports of fraud greater than $5,000, not 200 per cent as previously indicated.The story has been adjusted accordingly.

–From 2014 to 2024, Saskatchewan RCMP saw an 81 per cent increase in reports of fraud in the province.

That’s according to statistics compiled by Saskatchewan RCMP crime analysts, which noted a 192 per cent increase in reports of fraud greater than $5,000 and a 335 per cent increase in fraud related to theft, forgery and misuse of credit card during this period.

“The internet gives everyone instant access to information – including fraudsters who use it for financial gain. Our analysts examine fraud-related crime data to identify trends and patterns,” says Sgt. Lorna Dornstauder, an officer with the Saskatoon Provincial General Investigation Section.

Dornstauder noted that fraud investigations can be highly complex. Each case presents its own unique challenges and requires careful analysis, time and a deep understanding of evolving criminal fraud tactics.

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One example involves a woman from Wakaw, who was convicted last year on all charges related to fraud and theft.

In 2020, the Wakaw RCMP received a report of theft from a victim’s personal bank account. Once the investigation started, the Saskatoon RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) took carriage of the investigation due to its scope and complexity.

The investigation determined that between 2013 and 2019, Brenda Venne was responsible for stealing almost $750,000 from 11 separate victims.

One of her victims, who had dementia, had $432,000 taken from their bank account. Two others were robbed of $100,000 each and the remaining thefts were among the remaining eight victims.

“We take these types of investigations seriously and this case highlights the in-depth police work required by our investigators. Committing fraud can result in real consequences,” says Cst. Kristy Fines, who investigated the matter.

How to keep yourself and your loved ones safe

Saskatchewan RCMP reminds members of the public to:

• Always be on high alert when you receive unsolicited communication of any kind. Especially when pressured to act quickly, something seems too good to be true or when receiving threats.
• Monitor your bank account regularly for any suspicious activity.
• Be careful; scammers can spoof telephone numbers and make it appear as though they’re calling from a trusted source.
• Slow things down. Scammers create a sense of urgency when they call. If you are unsure if a phone call is a scam, hang up and reach out to your relative with a number you know and trust.
• Never agree to meet with someone who called you asking for money.
• Never give out personal information like your name, address, SIN or banking information over unsolicited calls or emails.
• If you are unsure if an incoming call is from your banking institution, a lawyer, police or a fraudster, hang up and call the agency back using a familiar phone number to confirm the information you were told is accurate.
• Don’t be afraid to say no! Don’t be intimidated by high-pressure sales tactics or requests to send money right away. Walk away or hang up the phone.
• Remember, anyone can become a victim of fraud – you are not alone. Fraudsters can be very convincing, they are relentless in achieving their goal, and they target people’s emotions and kindness.

“Fraud can happen to anyone and anywhere. By learning the signs of fraud, sharing that knowledge with your loved ones and reporting incidents, you can help protect others from becoming victims,” says Cst. Fines.

If you believe you are a victim of fraud, please contact your local police. You can also report fraud by calling the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or through its website at https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social