I know no one wants to think they could ever be a victim of fraud however the reality is thousands of Canadians lost more than 10 million dollars to identity fraud in 2014 and authorities say this figure is on the rise year after year. The sad thing is some Canadians do not even know they are the victim of fraud until something extreme happens.

A Canadian SIN card was seen being sold out of China for $173.

March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada and it's timely to remind Canadians that everyone is vulnerable and that vigilance, knowledge and the confidence to fight back are powerful deterrents to fraud. A 2016 survey from the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) demonstrates deeply held concerns about fraud and identity theft.

According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), mass marketing fraud is an enormous business that consistently claims victims who have not taken the time to verify with whom they are dealing. In fact, the CAFC says the surest way to avoid fraud is to verify, verify, verify.

As a frequent flyer, and having relocated to two different countries in as many years, I am always hyper aware of where the important things are. Whether in transit or working at a local café, I am constantly checking that I am in possession of three things at all times - my smartphone, my wallet and my MacBook Air.

It's the most wonderful time of the year -- especially for online scammers. With holiday shopping also comes the downside of scams that are aimed at frugal shoppers trying to stretch their dollars. Contrary to the season of giving, these fraudulent tricks are aimed at taking your identity and financial information, and for scammers to thrive.