TORONTO, March 15, 2012 /CNW/ - As part of Fraud Prevention Month, Scotiabank has launched a new online Security Centre to help Canadians better protect themselves from fraud by introducing them to five cyber criminals 'profiles' - the "Unusual Suspects."

"The best tool against fraud is awareness," said Stephen Gaskin, Vice President, Self Service Customer Experience at Scotiabank. "The changes we're making are aimed at helping consumers be even savvier about protecting their personal information when online so that they can recognize and prevent fraud. We provide secure and protected banking and brokerage environments, and now we've enhanced our Security Centre to help Canadians recognize and prevent some of the most common security challenges.

Visitors to Scotiabank's new Security Centre are invited to watch an introductory video and browse through the five 'profiles' of the "Unusual Suspects" who they should be wary of in order to stay safe online:

• Identity Thief: Wants to steal your personal information to commit fraud or theft;
• Phishing Pro: Will try to bait you into disclosing your personal information;
• Browser Exploiter: Tries to access your information through flaws in your computer software;
• Card Skimmer: Wants to duplicate your debit or credit card to take your money; and
• Internet Hacker: Will try to break into your computer to steal money and spread viruses.

"Our goal is to make security content accessible by making the information available in a helpful and easy to understand format," said Mr. Gaskin. "We will continue to take steps to help our customers protect themselves."

The Security Centre also directs visitors to relevant content and advice, which will help them learn how to protect their personal information while online and what to do if they think their security has been compromised. Scotiabank customers who visit the site will also have access to free one-year subscriptions for McAfee® anti-virus and Trusteer browser protection software.

Scotiabank invites Canadians to learn more about the Security Centre by visiting www.scotiabank.com/securitycentre.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 77,000 employees, Scotiabank and its affiliates serve some 19 million customers in more than 55 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a broad range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With assets above $637 billion (as at January 31, 2012), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.