Grey County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning residents to beware of a new scam that has surfaced in Grey County identified as the "auto-wrapping scam" after a Township of Southgate couple lost $2920.50. The "auto-wrapping scam" is based on the classic version of the "over-payment scam".

In late September of this year, the victims received a text advising them they could be paid to auto-wrap their vehicle for advertising purposes on behalf of "Clearly Canadian". The couple replied and, on September 30th, they received an application/information package, as well as a cheque in the amount of $3320.50 - $2920.50 of which was to be used to cover the installment of the auto-wrap and the remainder was to be considered their first payment.

They were instructed to deposit the cheque into their personal account and then take out $2920.50 in cash and deposit the money into a Scotiabank account in the name of "Mary Gellner", which they did on October 1st. They were told that once this was done, someone would come to their residence to install the auto-wrap on their vehicle.

On October 6th the victims learned that the original cheque had been returned and as a result they had lost $2920.50. The victims' calls and emails to the fraudsters have gone unanswered.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) was notified

Don't be a victim of fraud. Never send money or provide personal/ financial information by phone or email to someone you don't know or trust. Be highly suspect if you receive a cheque and are asked to deposit it and are asked to send or deposit some of the funds elsewhere.

Be informed so that you can recognize a scam. Visit the following websites for further information: www.antifraudcentre.ca; www.cra-arc.gc.ca; www.opp.ca.

Fraud .... Recognize it! Reject it! Report it!