(NC) It often feels like most parts of your life require a password. Whether it's your social media accounts or your banking details, it's important to safeguard your personal information at all times.

According to a recent TD survey, many Canadians know the basics of protecting themselves from financial fraud. In fact, less than 10 per cent will share their PIN or SIN with a stranger, provide their credit card number on an unsecure site, or click an unknown link in a text message. Yet every day, more and more individuals fall victim to financial fraud schemes.

“Debit card, credit card and cheque fraud have become more common as a result of sophisticated approaches that target emotion as well as transactions,” explains Mushtak Najarali, senior vice president of everyday banking products at TD. “Prevention and protection are key to fighting financial fraud and so is the relationship between customers and their financial institution. Both parties working together is the best first line of defense to help identify and rectify financial fraud.”

As financial fraud evolves, fraudsters are getting more clever and using a variety of tactics to trick consumers into sharing sensitive information. Here are some to watch out for:

• Phishing: Emails disguised as legitimate communications

• Spoofing: Communications appearing to be from a trusted source

• “Ishing” and “Imming” schemes: Telephone calls (vishing), text messages (smishing), and devices (skimming) that steal your information.

If you suspect you are a victim of financial fraud, call your bank immediately. Find more information online at tdcanadatrust.com.

www.newscanada.com