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Financial Literacy Newsletter - Preventing fraud in a digital world

  • Digital

March 2023

Preventing fraud in a digital world

 

 

A few words from FCAC

Welcome to the Fraud Prevention Month (#FPM2023) issue of the Financial Literacy Newsletter. Understanding how fraudsters think and operate is becoming an increasingly important skill to protect your finances...

 

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Eight signs of digital fraud

By: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

 

It’s hard not to feel confused by the large number and variety of digital fraud and scams that you need to watch out for. Here are eight easy-to-identify signs to put you on your guard...

 

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Fraudulent charges — are you covered?

By: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

 

Take this quiz to see how well you know your rights and responsibilities when it comes to fraudulent charges on your debit and credit cards...

 

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What’s in a real estate fraudster’s toolkit?

By: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

 

The high price of real estate has attracted fraudsters and scammers. Here are four common fraudster tricks to watch out for and protect yourself from being a victim of title fraud...

 

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What's new

Canada’s financial literacy ecosystem shares the latest news, research, funding, learning tools and events with you...

 

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Words from our collaborators

 

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports all-time high levels of financial fraud

By: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

 

Since 2020, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) has seen fraud victimization grow to shocking new heights...

 

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Did the CRA really contact you?

By: Canada Revenue Agency

 

As a taxpayer, you should be cautious if you receive any communication that claims to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and requests...

 

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Investment fraud: How a fraudster might approach you

By: Ontario Securities Commission

 

There are many ways a fraudster might approach you. They might email, text or phone you. Or they might pretend to know the same people as you...

 

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Be aware: Don’t become an accomplice in mortgage fraud

By: Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation

 

Mortgage fraud is a type of financial crime that can have serious consequences. This type of fraud is more common than most people realize...

 

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Stay safe online: Social media accounts and phishing

By: Communications Security Establishment’s Get Cyber Safe campaign

 

Though social media is great for staying connected, fraudsters can take the information they learn from you to commit various cybercrimes...

 

Read more

 

 

Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

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Questions? Contact Roxanne Poelstra

financialaid@ambrose.edu

Thursday, March 9, 2023
Category
Financial Aid

Leadership scholarship Re-opened until February 20

  • Scholarship application paper

Dr. Gary McPherson Leadership Scholarship - $2,000

Have shown outstanding leadership, especially in the area of disability, and/or initiative to improve the lives of other people while attending Ambrose

Apply Now 

Friday, February 10, 2023
Category
Financial Aid
MyAmbrose

Ambrose Awards for 2023-2024 Academic Term

  • Financial Aid money

 

Continuing Student Scholarships

- $500 and up

One application form for multiple Ambrose endowed and
annual awards for students returning to study at

Ambrose in the fall. Recipients will be notified early May.

 

Apply online by February 28: Undergrads or Seminary

Financial Assistance - $500 and up

One application form for multiple bursaries. Students will be

matched to a bursary or financial assistance if they

demonstrate financial need.

 

Apply online by June 1

Questions? Contact Roxanne Poelstra

financialaid@ambrose.edu

Thursday, January 26, 2023
Category
Financial Aid

Indigenous Careers Award

  • Indigenous Careers Award

The Indigenous Careers Award is designed to encourage Indigenous Albertans (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) to pursue and complete post-secondary studies in certificate, diploma, applied degree and bachelor's degree programs.

Award Value:
$2,000 per semester / maximum of $4,000 in an academic year

Credential Types:

Students must be enrolled in a certificate, diploma, applied or bachelor’s degree program.

All program bands are eligible for the Indigenous Careers Award.

To Receive This Award:

  • The Fall 2022 and/or Winter 2023 term (a term is defined as a study period of up to 17 weeks in length),
  • At least 60% of a full course load (40% of a full course load if you are a student with a documented permanent disability). 
  • Have satisfactory academic standing, as determined by the school.

You must also meet all of these eligibility criteria:

  • Be a Status Indian/First Nations, Non-Status Indian/First Nations, Métis or Inuit and be able to provide a copy of proof of Indigenous ancestry
  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or have protected person status under:
  • Be a resident of Alberta.

Application Deadline: Fall - November 5
                                      Winter - February 5
Indigenous Careers Award Application 

For complete eligibility criteria and to access the application, contact:

Roxanne Poelstra
Financial Aid & Awards Coordinator

financialaid@ambrose.edu
(403) 410-2938

Book an Appointment

Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Category
Financial Aid

Leadership scholarships - open January 5 - February 5

  • Scholarship application paper

Leadership scholarships are open from January 5 to February 5 - apply today!

Laurence Decore Award For Student Leadership Scholarship - $1,000

Be involved in either student government or student societies, clubs or organizations, or involved in student organizations at the provincial or national level or in non-profit community organizations

Apply Now


Dr. Gary McPherson Leadership Scholarship - $2,000

Have shown outstanding leadership, especially in the area of disability, and/or initiative to improve the lives of other people while attending Ambrose

Apply Now

Thursday, January 5, 2023
Category
Financial Aid
MyAmbrose

Jason Lang Scholarship

  • glasses

The scholarship recognizes and rewards Alberta post-secondary students for their academic achievements and encourages them to continue in their undergraduate or professional program of study.

Value

$1,000

Deadline

January 21, 2023

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible an applicant must:

  • Be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person (visa students are not eligible),
     
  • Be an Alberta resident and to be considered an Alberta resident one of the following conditions must apply:
    • one parent, or legal guardian has maintained permanent residence in Canada for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to commencing post-secondary studies and be residing in Alberta, or
    • Alberta is the last place the student has lived for 12 consecutive months immediately prior to commencing post-secondary studies, or
    • the student’s spouse/partner has maintained permanent residence in Alberta for 12 consecutive months prior to the person attending post-secondary.
       
  • Be enrolled full-time in the second or subsequent year of an undergraduate program at a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Alberta,
     
  • Have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.2 on a 4.0 point scale based on an 80% full course load in the previous fall and winter terms.

Note: A term is defined as a study period of up to 17 weeks in length. Co-op work terms, internships or exchange programs may be eligible as long as these programs are a mandatory component of the undergraduate or professional program.

Students are not eligible for a Jason Lang Scholarship if they:

  • Are enrolled in a one year certificate program,
  • Do not return to a publicly funded post-secondary institution in the fall or winter terms of the next academic year,
  • Are recipients of a Louise McKinney Scholarship for the same period of study, or
  • Have received the lifetime maximum of three Jason Lang Scholarships.

Nominees must be enrolled at eligible Alberta public post-secondary schools (includes publicly-funded colleges, technical institutes, universities and private colleges accredited to grant degrees). 

Apply Now

Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Category
Financial Aid

Find Your Financial Balance

  • balance

Tips to manage your debt

Higher costs and interest rates mean that you may need to adjust your budget to find the right balance between daily spending and paying down debt.

lit

Managing your finances means finding the right balance. Inflation and higher interest rates signal that you may need to adjust your budget to find the right balance between daily spending and paying down debt. The right balance will depend on your financial situation and goals.

This Financial Literacy Month, learn about good versus bad debt and how to manage your money in a changing world.

 


How to manage your money when interest rates rise

A rise in interest rates can cost you more to borrow money. Plan to pay down your debt as much as possible, starting with the highest interest rate first so you pay less money towards interest.

Learn how interest rates work and what to do when they increase


Make a plan to pay off your debt

Decide on a strategy for paying off your debt based on the types of debt and the amount of debt you owe. Taking steps to manage your debt can help you take control of your finances and increase your financial resilience.

Get tips on paying down your debt


What to consider before borrowing money

Responsible borrowing can help you build a good credit history. However, using credit to spend beyond your means could put you at risk of no longer being able to manage your debt.

Ask yourself these questions before borrowing money or using credit


Know your rights when borrowing money

The interest rate for your loan is included in your loan agreement. Find out what your financial institution must tell you about interest rates when you borrow.

Learn about your right to information

Monday, November 7, 2022
Category
Financial Aid

Don’t fall for the latest online shopping scam

  • scam

By : The Competition Bureau Canada

Canadians are relying on online shopping more than ever. However, this puts us at greater risk of being targeted by fraudsters.

Even if you’ve shopped online for years, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest tricks as scammers’ techniques evolve.

In recent years, they’ve gone from asking for wire transfers, banking details, and searching out your credit card number to going after gift cards, cryptocurrency and access to your online bank accounts.

Here are some key tips to protect yourself when shopping online:

  • Do your research and comparison shop so you have a sense of realistic pricing
  • Read the terms and conditions, as well as refund and return policies
  • Use your Internet browser’s ad blocker to hide sponsored ads and pop-ups
  • Request a full refund if your order is unavailable or can’t be fulfilled at the advertised price
  • Keep any records of email confirmations and customer service conversations
  • Review your credit card and bank statements frequently and carefully for recurring or unknown charges
  • Remember that if the price is too good to be true, it probably is
  • Take online reviews with a grain of salt, and consult multiple sources for feedback

If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contacted by a scammer or misled by an online ad or marketing tactic, report it to the Competition Bureau or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Resources

Monday, October 24, 2022
Category
Financial Aid

Alberta Scholarships update

  • Update

Alberta Scholarships and Awards

 

The 2022-23 scholarship and award applications are available!

Learn more about scholarships and awards offered by the Alberta Government and apply now at Alberta Scholarships.

The following scholarships and awards will close on October 31:

  • Alberta Barley Commission - Eugene Boyko
  • Alberta Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship
  • Alberta Federation of Agriculture Scholarship
  • Alex Decoteau Award of Honour
  • Anna & John Kolesar Memorial Scholarship
  • Canadian Oil Sands Network for Research & Development Scholarship
  • Dr Robert & Anna Shaw Scholarship
  • Janet & Horace Allan Scholarship
  • Jason Lang Scholarship
  • Jo-Anne Koch for Bright Children Society Scholarship
  • Kereya Energy - Peter Renton Memorial Scholarship
  • Languages in Teacher Education Scholarship
  • Maria Sava Polish Heritage Scholarship
  • Tiessen Foundation

Alex Decoteau Award of Honour

 

The Alex Decoteau Award of Honour recognizes the sacrifice of Canada's brave veterans and their families and supports them in their post-secondary pursuits in Alberta. 

Valued at $5,000, this award helps meet the Alberta Government’s commitment to make it easier for Canadian veterans and their families to transition from service to the next steps in their careers. An individual may receive a lifetime maximum of two awards.  

Canadian Armed Forces members must be returning soldiers who:

  • actively served in designated military operations in the Canadian Armed Forces (Regular or Reserves), or
  • were permanently disabled as a result of participation in Canadian Armed Forces training.

Applicants who are family members of a Canadian Armed Forces Member must be spouses/common-law partners, or children of a Canadian Armed Forces soldier who:

  • actively served in designated military operations in the Canadian Armed Forces (Regular or Reserves), or
  • is deceased or permanently disabled while serving, or as a result of a designated military operation, or participation in Canadian Armed Forces training.

How to Apply

Submit the completed application form and all supporting documentation to Alberta Student Aid by October 31, 2022.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply for the Alex Decoteau Award of Honour, visit:

 studentaid.alberta.ca | Student Aid Contacts

For other information regarding Ambrose Awards, please contact:

Roxanne Poelstra
Financial Aid & Awards Coordinator

financialaid@ambrose.edu
(403) 410-2938

Book an Appointment

Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Category
Financial Aid

Indigenous Careers Award

  • Indigenous Careers Award

The Indigenous Careers Award is designed to encourage Indigenous Albertans (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) to pursue and complete post-secondary studies in certificate, diploma, applied degree and bachelor's degree programs.

Award Value:
$2,000 per semester / maximum of $4,000 in an academic year

Credential Types:

Students must be enrolled in a certificate, diploma, applied or bachelor’s degree program.

All program bands are eligible for the Indigenous Careers Award.

To Receive This Award:

  • The Fall 2022 and/or Winter 2023 term (a term is defined as a study period of up to 17 weeks in length),
  • At least 60% of a full course load (40% of a full course load if you are a student with a documented permanent disability). 
  • Have satisfactory academic standing, as determined by the school.

You must also meet all of these eligibility criteria:

  • Be a Status Indian/First Nations, Non-Status Indian/First Nations, Métis or Inuit and be able to provide a copy of proof of Indigenous ancestry
  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or have protected person status under:
  • Be a resident of Alberta.

Application Deadline: Fall - November 5, 2022
                                      Winter - February 5, 2023
Indigenous Careers Award Application 

For complete eligibility criteria and to access the application, contact:

Roxanne Poelstra
Financial Aid & Awards Coordinator

financialaid@ambrose.edu
(403) 410-2938

Book an Appointment

Monday, September 19, 2022
Category
Financial Aid