FRAUD SCAM ATTEMPTS IN SD&G
(SD&G) On February 17 and 18, 2021, SD&G OPP investigated several calls for service where a fraudster identified themselves to the victims as an employee of the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA).
In one incident, the fraudster advised the victim that their social insurance number had been compromised and was requesting personal information.
In the second incident, the fraudster demanded the victim provide personal information and if they didn’t comply, a member of the CRA would attend their residence and arrest them.
In a third instance the fraudster told the victim that their SIN card was used to commit several crimes and they were to pay them back for the stolen funds.
In all situations the victims did not comply with the request and did not lose any funds.
SD&G OPP want the public to be aware that there are dishonest people out there who want to take your money or steal your identity. Persons receiving a call from an officer or enforcement agency can request a face to face meeting or tell the caller that they will contact their local detachment or service to continue the conversation. Do not provide your social insurance number, bank account number or other personal information over the phone.
Here are some warning signs:
- Urgency The fraudsters always make the request sound very urgent, which may cause the victim to not verify the story.
- Request for Money Transfer Money is usually requested to be sent by a money transfer company such as Money Gram, Western Union or even through your own bank institution.
- The request of payment using gift cards The fraudster will tell the victim to purchase various types of gift cards (iTunes, Google Play, Steam, Walmart) and then text them pictures of the card numbers.
If you have shared personal information or banking details with scammers, contact your financial institution immediately to place alerts on your account. If you have been defrauded, report it to the police or the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre. For further information or to report a fraud online, visit: www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
Anyone having information on the above incidents or any other crime is asked to call SD&G OPP at 1 888 310 1122 or Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 TIPS(8477) or you can submit a TIP online at www.seawayvalleycrimestoppers.ca
ROMANCE SCAM EXACTS DEVASTATING FINANCIAL LOSS
Members of the Ontario Provincial Police are continuing an investigation after a suspected fraud occurred in South Dundas Township.
On February 17, 2021 Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers in SD&G were advised from a resident that they had been defrauded of a substantial amount of money by an on line dating site. The fraudster claimed that he needed to get a large sum of money via Bitcoin to assist him in getting a consignment box released by Puerto Rican custom authorities.
The transactions resulted in the victim being defrauded out of close to $45,000.
The OPP reminds the public that criminals use the Romance Scam to find potential victims online, generally single or recently unattached people of all ages. Usually this form of mass marketing fraud occurs through singles and dating related ‘meet’ websites, social media platforms, or e mail blasts. In some cases, prolonged interaction with individuals has cost some victims tens of thousands of dollars before the ‘relationship’ suddenly ends, usually without ever meeting in person. Among the most vulnerable are seniors.
SD&G OPP and its partners at the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre have some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of the Romance Scam.
- First, ask yourself ‘Would someone I have never met, really declare their love for me after only a few letters or emails?’ If the answer is no, report it to police.
- Don’t give out any personal information in an email or when you are chatting online. Educate yourself. Check the person’s name, the company name, and the addresses used.
- Never send money, or give personal credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust. A request to send money to a foreign country or to someone you have never personally met should be a red flag.
- Check website addresses carefully. Scammers often set up fake websites with addresses that are very similar to legitimate dating websites.
If you or someone you know suspect they’ve been a victim of the Romance Scam, contact your local police service. You can also file a complaint through the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre, Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 8477 (TIPS), or online at https://www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm
“Recognize, Reject and Report Fraud”
For further information on current scams, visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre’s website at www.antifraudcenter.ca .
