Criminals in Canada are now believed to be making just as much money from fraud-related offences as they do from drug-related offences, say RCMP, with profits estimated at between $10 billion and $30 billion annually. Almost 80 percent of fraud offences are the work of criminal organizations.Masset detachment Sgt. Grand MacDonald said fraud should concern all citizens of Haida Gwaii because of the impact it can have on individuals, families and businesses, who can end up losing retirement savings and homes. While fraud losses are serious, he said, the good news is that most can be prevented by identifying the methods used by fraudsters.In 2010, the Masset RCMP investigated seven fraud-related matters here on Haida Gwaii, Sgt. MacDonald said. He encourages the public to visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre's new website for information about emerging fraud trends, advice on protecting yourself and victim's guides. The website is at www.antifraudcentre.ca Masset RCMP also have fraud-related educational materials available at the front counter.Copyright Haida Gwaii Observer 2011