The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) want residents to remain vigilant as the OPP received the following five fraud calls in two days:
On August 16, at 10:24 a.m., an individual reported that they sent $900 to an ecommerce investment company. The victim tried to contact the company but now the website has been shut down.
On August 16, at 6:17 p.m., an individual purchased concert tickets through an online shop and e-transferred $150 to the seller. The seller is no longer communicating with the buyer.
On August 17, at 8:31 a.m., an individual invested in Elon Musk's Super Computers and sent $2000 to the company. The company is no longer communicating with the buyer.
On August 17, at 10:13 a.m. an individual reported identity theft when a loan was taken out in the victim's name.
On August 17, at 10:47 a.m. an individual purchased an item online, but the received product was not as described.
To prevent frauds:
- If something sounds too good to be true, or if something seems off, it is probably a scam.
- Don't send money until you have physically seen the item and tested it.
- Do your research on investments to ensure the company you are investing with is legitimate.
- Shred all documents which have your information on them (name, date of birth, address, phone number, social insurance number).
There is no magic to preventing frauds. Trust your instincts, not the stranger at your door or on the phone.
If you think you have spotted a scam or have been targeted by a scam, there are several government and law enforcement agencies that you can contact for advice or to make a report.
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, www.antifraudcentre.ca
The Competition Bureau's Information Centre, www.competitionbureau.
Office of Consumer Affairs, www.consumerhandbook.
Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org
Canada Revenue Agency, www.cra-arc.gc.ca
source: media release