Two steps forward, two steps back for Manitoba and Saskatchewan residents when it comes to fraud prevention

- TD Canada Trust poll reveals that although residents of Manitoba and Saskatchewan
are savvier than last year in some areas, there's still room for improvement in others -

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TORONTO, Feb. 23 /CNW/ - Manitoba and Saskatchewan residents are stepping up their fight against fraud but could be more vigilant, according to the TD Canada Trust Fraud Prevention Month Poll. By engaging less in risky behaviour, Manitoba and Saskatchewan residents are making themselves less vulnerable to fraud compared to last year: only 8% of those surveyed have ever sent credit card account information through an email, down from 22% last year. However, they are also less likely to shield their PIN at ATMs (65% vs. 73% in 2010) and never give out their credit card number over the phone (41% vs. 46% in 2010).

"It's great to see that, in some ways, more Manitoba and Saskatchewan residents continue to take steps to avoid being victims of fraud. However, they could definitely be doing more in other areas," says Justin Hwang, Associate Vice President, Fraud Management, TD Canada Trust. "We want to remind people to continue to remain diligent and protect themselves as much as possible. There are tools and information available to help protect residents of Manitoba and Saskatchewan and to combat fraud, but the vast majority of fraud can be avoided if people are proactive and follow some simple tips, such as shielding their PIN and being careful with their personal information."

Manitoba and Saskatchewan residents are still concerned about fraud in general (73% vs. 92% in 2010). The 2011 poll also asked Manitoba and Saskatchewan residents about two other types of fraud - phishing and vishing. Close to three-quarters of respondents are concerned about becoming a victim of phishing (72%) and vishing (70%), two scams which trick consumers into providing personal information, either electronically or over the phone, which is then used to commit a fraud.

"Criminals are always trying to stay a step ahead and develop new scams, so it's extremely important for Canadians to be aware of new threats as they appear," says Hwang. "These days, it's easy to be caught by a sophisticated phishing scheme. Remember, that your bank will never ask you for personal information over email, and if you're ever unsure about an email you receive or a website you enter, err on the side of caution and contact your bank immediately."

In support of Fraud Prevention Month, TD Canada Trust developed the following quiz to help Canadians determine how fraud savvy they are and learn what they can do to help protect themselves.

2^ND ANNUAL TD CANADA TRUST FRAUD PREVENTION QUIZ - HOW SAFE ARE YOU?

False: You should not let anyone else know or use your PIN (Personal Identification Number), including family and friends. Avoid writing it down or carrying it in your wallet. No one but you should know your PIN - not even your bank.

False: You need to use caution when using unsecure Wi-Fi networks. If you're on an unsecured network, Wi-Fi bandits could try to hack into your laptop or cell phone to steal your online banking passwords, copy your contacts from email programs, or even download illegal files.

True: To see if a site is secure, check the lower corner of your browser window for a padlock or key icon whenever you're on a screen that sends personal information or credit card numbers. If the padlock is closed or the key is intact, security technology will scramble your credit card number and personal information as it's being transmitted to the merchant. As well, the secure website address will begins with "https://".

False: When conducting any transaction at an ATM or making a purchase, always shield the keypad when you enter your PIN

False: Your bank will never contact you by email asking for account information. If you are have been emailed for this information then you have likely been "phished." Phishing refers to an online scam that seeks out personal financial information from people who believe they are sharing their information with a legitimate website or organization.

True: When making a debit transaction, never allow the merchant to take your card out of sight. It takes only seconds for fraudsters to reproduce your card. A false card combined with your PIN can provide a criminal access to your bank account.

True: Canadian cardholders are protected. Visa cardholders are protected through the Visa Zero Liability Policy, which means they are not responsible for fraudulent or unauthorized charges on their Visa account. Victims of debit card fraud are protected by the Canadian Code of Practice for Consumer Debit Card Services and are reimbursed by their financial institutions.

For more information on fraud prevention from TD Canada Trust, visit http://www.td.com/privacyandsecurity/protect_yourself.jsp

About the 2011 TD Canada Trust Fraud Prevention Month Poll

Results were collected through Environics' national telephone omnibus between February 1 to 3, 2011. A total of 1,001 interviews were completed, including 125 in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

About TD Bank Group

The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group (TD or the Bank). TD is the sixth largest bank in North America by branches and serves approximately 19 million customers in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in key financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Insurance; Wealth Management, including TD Waterhouse and an investment in TD Ameritrade; U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with more than 6 million online customers. TD had CDN$620 billion in assets on October 31, 2010. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.