-TD Canada Trust poll reveals that although Albertans are more savvy than last
year, there is still room for improvement -

-TO VIEW A SOCIAL MEDIA VERSION OF THE RELEASE INCLUDING AN ANIMATED VIDEO,
VISIT http://www.smrmediaroom.ca/TDFraud.html-

CALGARY, Feb. 23 /CNW/ - Alberta residents are doing more to protect themselves from fraud compared to a year ago, according to the TD Canada Trust Fraud Prevention Month Poll. An increasing number of Albertans say they shred confidential documents when no longer needed (92% vs. 83% in 2010), shield their PINs (86% vs. 57% in 2010) and stay away from unfamiliar ATMs (53% vs. 39% in 2010).

"It's encouraging to see that Alberta residents are taking more steps now to avoid being victims of fraud, but we want to remind Albertans to continue to remain diligent and protect themselves," says Justin Hwang, Associate Vice President, Fraud Management, TD Canada Trust. "Financial institutions have tools and information available to help protect people and combat fraud, but the vast majority of fraud can be avoided if people are proactive and follow some simple tips, such as shielding their PIN and being careful with their personal information."

The TD Canada Trust Fraud Prevention Month Poll also revealed that Albertans are engaging less in risky behaviour that makes them more vulnerable to fraud compared with last year. Only 10% of Albertans say they have ever sent their credit card account information through an email, while 24% admitted to doing so in 2010. In addition, only 7% said they have told someone else their debit card PIN, compared to 12% in 2010.

However, Albertans are still concerned about fraud in general (84% vs. 88% in 2010). This year, Albertans were also asked about two other types of fraud, phishing and vishing. About seven in ten are concerned with being a victim of phishing (73%) and vishing (69%), two scams which trick consumers into providing personal information, either electronically or over the phone, which is then used to commit fraud. Albertans are among the most likely groups in the country to be concerned with phishing.

"Criminals are always trying to stay a step ahead and develop new scams, so it's extremely important for Canadians to be aware of new threats as they appear," says Hwang. "These days, it's easy to fall for a sophisticated phishing scheme. Just remember, that your bank will never ask you for personal information over email, and if you're ever unsure about an email you receive or a website you enter, err on the side of caution and contact your bank immediately."

In support of Fraud Prevention Month, TD Canada Trust developed the following quiz to help Albertans determine how fraud savvy they are and learn what they can do to help protect themselves.

2^ND ANNUAL TD CANADA TRUST FRAUD PREVENTION QUIZ - HOW SAFE ARE YOU?

False: You should not let anyone else know or use your PIN (Personal Identification Number), including family and friends. Avoid writing it down or carrying it in your wallet. No one but you should know your PIN - not even your bank.

False: You need to use caution when using unsecure Wi-Fi networks. If you're on an unsecured network, Wi-Fi bandits could try to hack into your laptop or cell phone to steal your online banking passwords, copy your contacts from email programs, or even download illegal files.

True: To see if a site is secure, check the lower corner of your browser window for a padlock or key icon whenever you're on a screen that sends personal information or credit card numbers. If the padlock is closed or the key is intact, security technology will scramble your credit card number and personal information as it's being transmitted to the merchant. As well, the secure website address will begins with "https://".

False: When conducting any transaction at an ATM or making a purchase, always shield the keypad when you enter your PIN

False: Your bank will never contact you by email asking for account information. If you are have been emailed for this information then you have likely been "phished." Phishing refers to an online scam that seeks out personal financial information from people who believe they are sharing their information with a legitimate website or organization.

True: When making a debit transaction, never allow the merchant to take your card out of sight. It takes only seconds for fraudsters to reproduce your card. A false card combined with your PIN can provide a criminal access to your bank account.

True: Canadian cardholders are protected. Visa cardholders are protected through the Visa Zero Liability Policy, which means they are not responsible for fraudulent or unauthorized charges on their Visa account. Victims of debit card fraud are protected by the Canadian Code of Practice for Consumer Debit Card Services and are reimbursed by their financial institutions.

For more information on fraud prevention from TD Canada Trust, visit http://www.td.com/privacyandsecurity/protect_yourself.jsp

About the 2011 TD Canada Trust Fraud Prevention Month Poll

Results were collected through Environics' national telephone omnibus between February 1 to 3, 2011. A total of 1,001 interviews were completed, including 125 in Alberta.

About TD Bank Group

The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group (TD or the Bank). TD is the sixth largest bank in North America by branches and serves approximately 19 million customers in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in key financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Insurance; Wealth Management, including TD Waterhouse and an investment in TD Ameritrade; U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with more than 6 million online customers. TD had CDN$620 billion in assets on October 31, 2010. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.