Identity theft and extortion are the most reported types of cyber fraud in Canada.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), there were a combined 61,210 reports between the two forms of crime.
Locally, Port Moody police (PMPD) are looking to help residents by hosting a recycling event for unwanted electronics that could still be active and open to any potential future fraud.
As March is Fraud Prevention Month in the province, officials say it's important to rid of anything that may give fraudsters the opportunity to act.
"[...] fraudsters continue to find more sophisticated and detailed means of tricking Canadians out of their money," the B.C. government states on its website.
"While none of the most 'lucrative' types of fraud are particularly new concepts, changes to the way Canadians spend their time and new methods of delivery have made us more susceptible to certain types of fraud."
Items to be safely destroyed, shredded or sustainably recycled can include hard drives, old laptops, cell phones, personal computers and tablets.
The PMPD is teaming up the Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) to bring the free station to the community.
Residents are invited to bring any unwanted electronics to Port Moody city hall (100 Newport Dr.) for Saturday, March 12 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
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