(NC) -- At some point, statistics show you will be targeted by a fraudster – but you don't have to be a victim. Arming yourself with information about how to recognize and avoid fraud and scams goes a long way to keep you protected.

Every Thursday from 9 to 10 p.m. ET, #Fraudchat gives you online access to a police officer, a representative from a financial services regulator, and quite often, a subject matter expert on specific types of fraud.

This weekly online Twitter chat is hosted by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) and by Toronto Police Service's Financial Crimes Unit.

In addition to those authorities, an expert in the field is frequently on hand to offer tips and answer questions about topics such as romance scams, identity theft, and health care fraud.

Participate on Thursday nights by logging into your Twitter account and following the #Fraudchat hashtag. A tool such as Tweetdeck.com can also be helpful in following the online chats.

Follow @FSCOTweets for consumer tips, answers to frequently asked questions and updates on activities in the insurance, mortgage brokering, pension plan, loan and trust, co-operative and credit union and caisses populaire sectors.