Viking area organizations fighting fraud with community scam action plan

By Viking/Beaver FCSS, The Weekly Review

Organizations in the Viking area have come together to launch a coordinated response to the rising threat of scams and fraud that are impacting residents, families, and businesses across the region.

The new working group is made up of the Town of Viking, Viking/Beaver Family and Community Support Services (VBFCSS), Viking RCMP, Viking ATB, and Vision Credit Union. Together, these partners have adopted a Community Scam Action Plan as one of their first steps.

The plan lays out priorities for prevention, rapid response, and community support, and recognizes that scams are not only a financial issue but also a social one that undermines trust and safety.

Scams are not just numbers on a police report. They impact real people, our parents, grandparents, neighbours, and friends. When someone falls victim to a scam, they often lose more than money.

They may lose their sense of security, their trust in others, and even their willingness to reach out for help. That is why this response is so important.

Early initiatives already underway. They include:
-Business Engagement – inviting local businesses to participate in the working group, recognizing their frontline role in noticing suspicious activity and supporting customers.
-Community Awareness Videos are produced in partnership by the Town of Viking and Viking RCMP featuring Sergeant Ray Stack, highlighting common scams and prevention tips, and released regularly on the Town of Viking’s social media channels.
– Stigma Reduction – encouraging residents to come forward if they have been targeted, and ensuring they are met with compassion and support rather than blame.

The adoption of the Community Scam Action Plan provides a roadmap for ongoing collaboration. As scams continue to evolve, the plan will be updated and adapted to ensure the community stays ahead of emerging threats.

“We feel this is a community-wide issue that requires a community-wide response,” said Dawn Chrystian, Director of Viking/Beaver FCSS. “It’s time to say that we have had enough of scammers targeting our friends and neighbours, and to pull together to support prevention, intervention, and awareness. This can only happen when we are compassionate and engaged.”

The working group emphasizes that every sector of the community including residents, businesses, service providers, and law enforcementhas a role to play in prevention. By working together, the community can reduce financial losses, strengthen trust, and ensure victims are supported rather than isolated.

What Residents Can Do Right Now
Community members are encouraged to take simple steps to protect themselves and others from scams:
• Pause before acting – if a call, text, or email feels urgent or threatening, take a step back before responding.
• Verify requests – contact the business, agency, or person directly using a trusted phone number or website.
• Talk openly – discuss scams with friends and family, especially seniors, to reduce stigma and encourage reporting.
• Trust your instincts – if something feels “off,” it probably is.
• Report scams – to the RCMP non-emergency line or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

READ THIS AND MUCH MORE IN THE NOVEMBER 19 EDITION OF THE WEEKLY REVIEW!