The Hanover Public Library is helping residents stay safe online by hosting a free information session on fraud prevention on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
The one-hour class, titled Fraud Awareness with William, will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the library, located at 451 10th Avenue. William, who serves as a computer helper for the library, will lead the session, focusing specifically on how to recognize dangerous emails and protect families from common online scams.
Registration is required for those interested in attending. Residents can sign up by contacting the library at 519-364-1420 or by emailing [email protected].
This event comes as online security becomes an increasing concern across the country. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Canadians lost more than $704 million to fraud in 2025, with over 112,000 incidents reported. Experts suggest that these figures represent only a fraction of the actual activity, as it is estimated that only 5 to 10 percent of scams are ever reported to authorities.
Phishing remains a primary threat to Canadians. Data shows that it was one of the ten most reported types of fraud last year, with thousands of incidents resulting in millions of dollars in losses. A recent industry survey also found that nearly 40 percent of Canadians have accidentally clicked on a suspicious link in an email or text message.
The library session is part of a broader effort to improve digital safety awareness. In March 2026, the federal government began consultations for a new national strategy aimed at tackling fraud. Providing practical education at the local level, similar to programs delivered by the OPP Auxiliary Unit in other communities, is considered a key way to help residents guard their personal information and finances.
The Hanover Public Library operates under the guidance of a volunteer board and receives funding from the Town of Hanover and the Province of Ontario.
