Grey County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) remind residents that fraudsters prey on society's most vulnerable people.
On May 19, 2017, a senior living in the Municipality of Meaford, lost $890.00 after receiving a phone call from someone saying they were calling on behalf of "Scotia Bank Investigation Services". The victim was advised that they were investigating a male from overseas who had gained access to her account. They requested she transfer money to an undisclosed account so that they could catch the man "red handed". Soon after the money transfer was complete she realized that she had been scammed. The phone call originated from India.
We all need to do what we can to ensure the public recognizes and reports all types of fraud to prevent further harm and victimization.
Fraud-related crimes take a destructive toll on victims while amassing millions of dollars to further criminal enterprises. Sadly, 95 per cent of fraud victims never report the crime to police. Regardless of age, gender and location, everyone can take basic steps to better protect themselves from becoming victims of fraud. Some basic tips include never giving out personal or financial information at the door, over the phone, by e-mail or through social media, or on to unsecured retail or dating websites.
If you or someone you know suspect they've been a victim of fraud, contact your local police service or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre through a new, easy to use Fraud Reporting System (FRS). To report fraud or any crime anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (1-800-222-TIPS) or online at https://www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm
For more fraud facts and figures and a downloadable booklet (PDF), visit The Competition Bureau of Canada website at http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/04201.html
source: media release, Grey County OPP
